To the family of John Modla.
I worked with John in the 1970s at Ranco. He was a wise and kind mentor to me on sales calls with customers in the Midwest. Staying connected back then took a lot more work than it does today, and even though John was a good friend, our contact faded when I was transferred from Columbus to Dallas. A few weeks ago, I was speaking to some younger managers about the value of hiring service veterans. I spoke about how service is a maturing experience for everyone, and I recounted a story that John had told to me about his service in the the South Pacific. He said that he was flying on a pitch dark, moonless night across water with several dozen men aboard the aircraft when he had an epiphany: I am a 20 year old kid in the middle of nowhere with responsibility for these men. How did this happen!
For some reason, I awoke this morning and decided to search for John. I was sad to see his obituary and wanted to reach out to the family to say how much I enjoyed his company and appreciated his kindness towards me.
All the very best to you.
Edward Hart

The Modla Family purchased the Dish Gardens for the family of John Modla .

Fireside Basket - Red, White and Blue was purchased for the family of John Modla .

I am very sorry to hear of the passing of your father and our uncle. Although your family did not live in New Jersey very long, I have fond memories of every visit to Grandma’s house to see Uncle Emil.  I was once given his flying cap with radio head phones which I wore around the house acting out childhood fantasies of flying in the South Pacific.  Emil had a tremendous zest for living, and his vivacious and playful character was always an inspiration to me.  I regretted many times while growing up not having my second uncle in closer proximity that I might learn from his many experiences. I also recall obtaining several college textbooks which Emil used, in particular his calculus book.  Many years later I often thought about my father and Uncle Emil “pioneering” calculus for the family. 

Attached is a photo taken about 1951 on the back porch of Grandma's house.  Uncle Emil and Aunt Mary are there but Nancy and Joanna had not been born yet.   The children are the older four of my family. Left to right: Peg, Chris Andy (in the center) and Betty.

Cousin Chris Modla

Left to Right: Emil, Mary, Peg, Chris, Albert, Andy, Grandpa, Grandma, Isabel, Betty

Dear Nancy and Joanna,
I am very sorry to learn of your father's passing, he will be missed.

As I remember your Dad, he was a confident and out-going man.
Thinking back to stories he told us, one of the best that comes to mind are his flying experiences during WWII. Before going to the Pacific, he told us how he buzzed GrandMa and GrandPa's house in Clark, NJ. He flew over three times, very low, and it created a big stir in the neighborhood. His parents were proud.

A number of years ago I saw that Emil posted information about his war experiences on the Internet. It added another dimension to his life story. Searching again the link I saw was: http://www.comcar.org/2nd_comcar/8th_comcar_sqd/8th_ccs_planes_crews.htm 
He wrote about his Combat Cargo Group experiences and the web page attributes the information to an article/document he wrote. 

He also contributed photos at:
http://www.comcar.org/2nd_ComCar/8th_comcar_sqd/8th_ccs_images.htm
With warmest regards,
Your cousin,
Andy

Lit a candle in memory of Emil John Modla

God Bless/RIP.  A heartfelt Thank YOU for your service in WWII. The USA would NOT be as it is today.   I treasure the freedoms for which YOU fought... And  Semper Fi. SIR

OBITUARIO

Emil John Modla

10 enero, 1924 – 27 julio, 2016

Schoedinger Midtown

Muestre su apoyo

Comparta Un Recuerdo

Comparta
Un Obituario

Obtenga actualizaciones

Servicios