John Thompson Karlin

John Thompson Karlin, born August 30, 1947, passed away on July 20, 2019 with his wife of 43 years, Patricia by his side, less than 2 months after being diagnosed with a rare lung disease. John was born in Miami, FL and spent many years in Princeton, WV with his grandmother, Carrie Thompson. John was a resident of Deerfield Beach, FL since 1980 and a local CPA. He was a paratrooper in the Army, ranked as a Sergeant in the 101st Airborne Division, and was very proud of his time serving his country. John was a history buff, and he loved traveling, especially to National Parks, as well as hiking, camping, riding his Harley and gardening. He was quiet, honest, moral, and if he befriended you, you were a friend for life. He was sarcastic and witty, loyal, strong, selfless, intelligent and stoic.

John faced challenges and battles literally since the day he was born, battles most people never knew about. Growing up, he knew very little about his background, as he was told many different stories by the woman who raised him. Through an ancestry search and the help of DNA Angels, John discovered the truth about who he was only months before he passed away. John was adopted at birth, and his biological mother, Belva Corpening, was a Marine. His biological father was John J. ("JJ") Donoghue, a Pan American Pilot who lived in Key Biscayne, FL. John also discovered a first cousin on his mother's side who lived nearby, Donna Munro, and they were able to spend time together before John passed and quickly developed a special bond.

John is predeceased by his biological mother and father; in 2019 alone, he has been predeceased by the many losses our family has endured: sister-in-law, Laura Burdge; Pastor and friend for over 25 years, W. Jack Noble; and brother-in-law, Dennis Burdge. John is survived by his loving wife, Patricia; his son, John Ryan (J.R); daughter, Melissa; mother-in-law, Blanche Burdge; brothers-in-law, Robert Burdge and Gary Burdge (wife Jamie); 4 nephews, Gary, Alan, Matthew, and Kyle Burdge; and nieces, Hannah, Carley and Amanda Burdge.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor John's memory by making donations to the Wounded Warriors Project, or by making a point to travel, see this beautiful country, and make memories with your family.