John Howard Palombi

John Howard Palombi, precious husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, son, brother and friend heard the voice of his Heavenly Father say “Well done, good and faithful servant,” on September 26, 2025. John was a patriot, a leader, a scholar, a lover of life and a man always with a plan.

John was born to Howard and Flamina Palombi in Berwyn, Illinois on Jan. 20, 1943. At the age of 6, his family moved to Houston, TX where he lived until graduating from high school. His parents and one brother have predeceased him. In high school, John was a Houston All-Star shortstop, All-District guard and linebacker, and a National Merit Scholar. In 1960 he attended the United States Naval Academy where he played football and boxed. He earned a degree in Engineering with a concentration in Nuclear Physics. Upon graduation in 1964, he continued in the Navy including a deployment to Viet Nam where he served as the chief engineer officer on the USS Ellison. He truly loved the Navy and serving his country, making lifelong friendships with classmates and others.

Upon entering civilian life in 1969, he worked for Honeywell, Data General and UniJax in the computer industry. In the late 80’s he began a new career as a nuclear power management consultant, working with his best friend and roommate from the Academy. He loved his work, but that was only a part of his life. Despite his accomplishments, he was a humble man who never spoke about them. He was more concerned about filling “The Dash” with his love of God, family, friends, adventures, learning, music, dancing, tennis, traveling, volunteering, reading, and gardening.

John and Pat (Canup) blended their families with their marriage on July 27, 1991, and enjoyed a wonderful and happy life together. They loved nature and especially enjoyed traveling to many national parks. John visited every state in the union, the last one being a father-son trip to North Dakota. John was also a zoo lover and one of his favorite things to do was take the many grandchildren to the zoo. He and Pat visited zoos all over the country on their travels; however, they always loved coming home to our wonderful Jacksonville Zoo.

Besides his wife, John is survived by 3 children, Kenneth, Kimberly Deakyne (Jim), and Laura Layton, 2 stepchildren, Jeffrey and Leigh Canup, 12 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren and a sister and brother living in TX. His Celebration of Life will be at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, October 24 with a reception following the service at Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, 11801 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL. Interment will follow at 2:30 pm at the Jacksonville National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Jacksonville Zoo or the Alzheimer’s Association.