John P. Hastings

John P. Hastings Army Sergeant World War II Unit F Company, 414th Infantry Regiment, 104th Infantry Division John P. Hastings, an American war hero formerly of South Blooming Grove, entered into eternal rest peacefully at The Kaplan Family Hospice Residence in Newburgh, New York on Saturday, May 25, 2019 at the young age of 96. He was surrounded by his family. The youngest of 14 children, John was born in West New York, New Jersey on November 16, 1922, to Joseph F. Hastings and Isabella Seaman. John proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1941 to 1945 during World War II. Beloved husband of 56 years to the late Maryann F. Hastings, John married his dear wife at Our Lady of Grace Roman Catholic Church in Hoboken, NJ on November 22, 1952 and they were happily married until her passing. There wasn’t a day that went by where John didn’t lovingly remember his daughter, Maryann, son, William and grandson, Scott M. Blessing, as they all predeceased him in life. He was the dear father of Joseph (Jan), Kathleen Blessing (Nino), Joan Newman, Patricia, Margaret Porta, Cecelia Alsdorf (Wayne), Geraldine Pierri (Michael), George, Nance and daughter-in-law, Adele Hastings; loving grandfather, affectionately known as Papa Jack, of Sean (Elizabeth) and Ryan Blessing, Melinda (Grace) Pokela, Rhiannon Hastings, Tyler (Amanda) Newman, Christopher Porta, Michael (Chelsea) and Thomas Alsdorf, Brittney, Jordan (Zach) and Alec Pierri, Christina (Ryan) Kiplock, and John Peter Hastings; great-grandfather to Spencer, Hudson, and Kiera Blessing and Evan Pokela; and beloved godfather to Marie “Cookie” Burger and his adopted grandson, Jesse Lyons. John was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. John was a true family man who lived for his children and his country. He was a great man filled with unconditional love, very well respected and a true gentleman. He touched the hearts of all he knew. To know him was to love him and to have had him as a father was a gift. John displayed courage, strength and kindness to everyone who crossed his path and his personality was larger than life. He loved sharing his war stores, both good and bad. A proud Catholic and Scotsman, he was an example to his children of a life well lived. He enjoyed fishing in Florida during his retirement years, drinking Maxwell House instant coffee and watching his beloved NY Giants and NY Mets, as well as professional golf and European soccer games, all on mute as the games were often too intense for him. He also enjoyed listening to music, especially Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Tony Bennett, John Denver and Glen Campbell, as well as classic rock legends The Eagles, Elton John and Rod Stewart. He also enjoyed all the classics on TCM, especially the Godfather. The deceased attended Louisiana State University and received his BSBA Degree from Seton Hall University in 1951. He had been employed by several large corporations and retired from the Ford Motor Company in Mahwah, NJ as a salaried employee after 25 years of service. John had held several accounting positions of Fiduciary and Trust, requiring lifelong bonding. During WWII, John was a member of F Company, 414th Infantry Regiment, and 104th Infantry Division. He was the recipient of the Combat Infantry Badge, which at that time was only awarded to soldiers serving 30 days in combat on the front line. He also received the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, as well as many other military awards and was a disabled Veteran due to combat injuries. He was a Life Member of VFW Post #8858 Monroe and served as Post Commander from 1975 to 1976. He aided in forming the Post Color Guard and participated in many parades in Orange and Rockland counties. The Life Membership was awarded to him for many years of Post duties. He was a Communicant of St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Washingtonville, NY and fondly recalled the old wooden chapel. Years later, he had the good fortune of meeting Father Maurer and they formed an instant friendship. Thank you to Father Maurer for visiting him in his final days at home, as well as providing his Last Rites and comfort while he prepared for his next journey. A special thank you to the staff of The Kaplan Family Hospice Residence in Newburgh for their genuine care and support during our father’s final days. Also, the family would like to extend their sincerest gratitude towards his wonderful aides Lilly and Lenore for being very caring and understanding during this difficult time. Thank you to the Purple Heart Museum, Washingtonville VFW and Hospice of Orange & Sullivan Counties for coordinating the Honor Salute awarded to him on May 20th, 2019. John loved the annual Washingtonville Memorial Day Parade and was selected as Grand Marshal. He was honored and humbled. He cherished those fond memories with the community at large. As a Scotsman, he gained excitability over the bagpiper’s performance at the parade each and every year and he would stand saluting for the entire military march. An extra special thank you goes to the Orange County AOH Division 1 Pipes and Drums Band. He welcomed the parade every Memorial Day, continuously stating he was, “Hastings, a Scotsman!” Saluting you all during the military march was an annual event he looked forward to each year and it gave him great pride. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to Hospice of Orange & Sullivan Counties, Stony Brook Court, Newburgh, New York 12550 with the hopes that they can continue to provide compassionate end of life care for other’s loved ones in need during their final days. His family will receive friends with a celebration of his life at the David T. Ferguson Funeral Home, 20 North Street, Washingtonville, NY between the hours of 3:00 – 7:00 PM, Thursday, June 13th. A mass of Christian burial will be held on John’s holiday, Flag Day, Friday, June 14th at 11:30 AM at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, 42 Goshen Avenue, Washingtonville, NY. Interment to follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery with full military honors. Good Morning, It is fitting that we all are gathered here today to celebrate the life of our Papa Jack on Flag Day. Most of us know that deep down, Flag Day came before Christmas. My grandfather fought during WWII and lost many of his band of brothers while defending our flag and country. He was the true definition of an American Patriot and instilled in all of us the pride we should have for our country. I was filled with happiness the other night while flicking through the channels on the TC (one of Papa Jackś hobbies) and found the Stanley Cup as the National Anthem was beginning and as I looked over and saw my 3 year old son Hudson standing there with his hand over his heart and ushered for me to then do the same as I stood up. I thought to myself maybe Papa Jack played a part in him knowing what to do when the national anthem is heard. My grandfather was a very proud man and not just proud of his country, but also his family. My grandfather was proud of the successes of his 11 children and the lives they have created for themselves. Not many people can say that they had their grandfather around for 40 years, but I am truly blessed to have had the pleasure of doing so. At his old house on Merriwald Lane, he would leave around old coffee that had gotten cold, and I would sneak it as a kid even if in the sink for a while. Since his passing it gives me a smile daily knowing I can trace my iced coffee love to him and Merrriwald. Visiting the house on Merriwald will always be a great memory whether it was the pool, hanging with Linus or the creepy basement. As a kid Papa Jack and Nanny would stop by our house in Middletown after their frequent visits to Red Lobster on Friday evenings to spend time with us. My grandfather helped create great memories and most likely my love for the beach as the house he rented in LBI for a few years as a kid created wonderful summer fun for all of us to cherish. Papa Jack loved sitting in the sun at the beach, fishing, drinking coffee and spending quality time with his family! Papa Jack was proud of all of his grandchildren. He had an impeccable memory and was so thoughtful. He took great pride in each of our accomplishments and always celebrated with us, whether it be a birthday, good grades in school or Christmas. Papa Jack was known for slipping you a five dollar bill or sending a birthday card with money or the famous Christmas cards he would eagerly hand out on Christmas Eve! It was evident that he was proud of us and loved each of us. Yesterday, the day of his wake hit me a bit thinking of my life without Papa Jack. However, I am humbled and honored to know that his legacy and stories of his life will carry on forever through all of us. Papa Jack has had a profound impact on each of our lives, but it was amazing to me that when I arrived at the funeral home one of my students walked in shortly after me. His family shared with me that their son came home often and spoke of the stories I shared about Papa Jack and his military service. They said their son told them, since he didn´t get to meet Papa Jack that he wanted to pay his respects to him. As you can imagine, I was speechless and amazing at this young man. This experience was just another example of how Papa Jack has positively influenced so many people. After leaving the funeral home last night, as we were getting Spencer and Hudson ready for bed they asked us why they did not see Papa Jack and wanted to know where he was. We explained to the boys that Papa Jack is in heaven. This led to a variety of questions such as Can we drive in a blue car to heaven? Can a rocket ship get there? Is it above space? We explained to the boys that Papa Jack would always love them and be in your heart and will watch down from heaven to help keep them safe. This made me realize that even though Spencer and Hudson are so young, they both know and love the time they were able to spend with Papa Jack. He had a profound impact on their lives. Last night it became even more apparent to me that it is my responsiblity to continue celebrating Papa Jack's life and sharing his legacy with Spencer and Hudson. Papa Jack has inspired each and everyone of us to be the best we can be. I know that Papa Jack can look down from heaven with Nanny, Uncle Buck, Aunt Maryann and Scott and smile of how proud he is of the life he lived as a father, grandfather, great grandfather and most importantly an American.