John "Jack" Philip Senik

Jack was born on May 23, 1936, in Boston, Massachusetts, to John Senik and Ellen Lucille Sullivan. His childhood years took him across the country, growing up in Pittsfield, Massachusetts; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and eventually San Diego, California—a city that would become his longtime home.

A proud graduate of UCLA (Class of 1957), Jack earned his B.S. in Business and later went on to receive his MBA. While at UCLA, he met the love of his life, Gloria Joy Ruhl. The two married shortly after graduation and embarked on a lifelong journey filled with love, partnership, and adventure.

Jack served his country with honor and distinction as a Marine Corps officer. Specializing in tank operations, he held numerous roles at Camp Pendleton with the First Marine Division and Schools Battalion. His early years included deployments on the USS Bennington, and his career took him across the globe—to Washington, D.C., Vietnam, Okinawa, Ft. Leavenworth, and Seoul. He retired in 1980 with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, having earned numerous commendations, including the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Silver Star and the Navy Commendation Medal with Combat “V.”

Following his military service, Jack brought his leadership and strategic thinking to the defense industry for another decade before fully retiring. In 1998, he and Gloria moved to Oceanside, California, to be closer to their beloved grandchildren.

Jack had a deep and steadfast faith that shaped every chapter of his life. He was active in Officers Christian Fellowship and always found a way to serve in the churches near his military posts, often teaching Sunday School or leading Bible studies. His faith was quiet yet unwavering, offering strength and guidance to many.

Jack’s life was full of simple joys—running, a good round of golf, watching the Boston Red Sox, reading spy novels, or orchestrating epic Risk battles. One of his favorite holiday traditions was setting up his treasured Lionel train set beneath the Christmas tree, bringing joy to kids and grandkids alike.

He and Gloria shared a love for travel, returning time and again to places that brought them peace and happiness—Monterey, Carmel, and Wailea, Maui, among their favorites.

In his final years, Jack faced the challenges of dementia with courage and grace. After a heart attack and fall in April, his health declined rapidly. He passed away just shy of what would have been his 89th birthday.

Jack is now reunited with Gloria, his cherished wife of 65 years, who passed away in 2023. He is lovingly remembered by their three daughters—Lori Johnson, Kim Garrison, and Julie Senik—along with grandchildren Breanna and Brenden, and great-grandchildren Cassidy and Camille.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, July 7, 2025, at 1 PM at Eternal Hills Memorial Park, 1999 El Camino Real, Oceanside, California, 92054. A reception will follow at Vigilucci‘s Cucina Italiana, 2943 State St., Carlsbad, CA 92008.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Jack’s honor to the Alzheimer’s Association or to a veteran’s organization of your choice—causes close to his heart.