May 4, 1931 - July 8, 2019
John, also known as Jeff to close friends and family died peacefully in his sleep in Palm Bay, FL after residing in West Melbourne, FL for many years. Originally from Long Island, New York, he grew up in Oyster Bay. He was raised by his maternal grandmother after losing both parents by the age of ten. John graduated from St. Dominic’s High School in Oyster Bay where he played varsity basketball and also attended Fordham University. John was a veteran, serving in the US Air Force, Military Police unit during the Korean War. After his military service he married and settled in Levittown, NY, residing there for over 30 years while raising a family. He retired from Grumman/Northrup Grumman after 30 plus years of loyal and conscientious service as payroll manager.
John was a dedicated husband to Mary Ellen, who passed in 2004. His only sibling was his brother, James (Uncle Jimmy), who predeceased him. He was a devoted father to his six children; Gary (Robin), Sharon (Chuck), Brian (Denise), Ellen (Al), Maureen (Matt), Mary (Cyril) and affectionately called Popsie by his seventeen grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren. It was not his persona to be a doting father or grandfather, but we all knew how much he loved us. He typically kept his emotions in check and was a very humble man by nature, but we all knew he was proud of us.
John was a classic movie buff and a huge James Bond 007 fan. His recliner was his best friend, along with Charlie the Pug, who predeceased him. One of his favorite meals was smoked ribs from Woody’s BBQ, he could really rip into those. In his earlier years, his favorite beverage was a Schmidt’s beer and he could smoke a cigarette without ever exhaling, although he did quit for good when his first grandchild was born. His biggest vice was the Friday night Pinochle/poker card games with his buddies on Long Island. He really enjoyed those.
He provided us all with many, many fond memories of growing up in a loving home with parents who gave us the recipe to do the same. Those everlasting memories will always bring smiles to our faces. Words cannot express our gratitude for his sacrifices. We will all miss him dearly.
