John DeMaggio

John DeMaggio, 89, passed away peacefully on February 16, 2018 after a valiant battle with illness. His devotion to his family and his steadfast belief in God supported him in his struggle and ultimately gave him peace. John was an Army veteran and a lifelong resident of Jacksonville. John was blessed with a large and loving family. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Elma Batchelor DeMaggio; his son Ron DeMaggio; his daughters Teresa Pringle (David), Katrina DeMaggio Tahran, and Amy DeMaggio Peters (Michael); his grandchildren Bryan DeMaggio (Stephanie), Chris DeMaggio (Kristin), Kristen DeMaggio, Kelsea Barbas (Jason), Tyler Pringle (Ashley), Brittany Tahran, Matthew Tahran, Angelina Peters, and Garrett Peters; and his great grandchildren Adriana DeMaggio, John Joseph DeMaggio, Julia DeMaggio, and Ryan DeMaggio; and his brother, Albert DiMaggio and sisters Gloria Foster, Marie Martinez, and Rose Graves. He is preceded in death by his brothers Vito DiMaggio, Tony DiMaggio, Dominic DiMaggio, Frank DiMaggio, and Pete DeMaggio; his sisters Tessie Martinez, Angelina DeMaggio, Grace Brown, and May Herzig; and his parents.He is deeply missed by his loved ones, who celebrate the fact that he is at peace with his creator. Visitation will be held on Thursday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Hardage Giddens Riverside Memorial Park & Funeral Home, 7242 Normandy Blvd. Funeral services will take place on Saturday afternoon at 12:30 PM in the sanctuary of Westside Baptist Church, 7775 Herlong Road. A brief reception will take place at the church prior to 3:00 PM graveside services. John will be laid to rest at Jacksonville Memory Gardens in Orange Park @ 3pm. The family gratefully welcomes flowers or donations to the church or charity of your choice. In honor of John, please spend some extra time today with your loved ones, smile at a stranger, tell a funny story, and reach out to help someone who is struggling. He would appreciate you carrying forward the tradition. HARDAGE-GIDDENS RIVERSIDE MEMORIAL PARK & FUNERAL HOME, 7242 NORMANDY BLVD., JACKSONVILLE, FL 32205.