John was born in the Bronx, NY, in 1937 to John O. Hetzel and Mary McNulty. He grew up in Rockaway Beach, Queens, as the second oldest of four siblings. He married Elaine Ferrara in 1971 after being introduced on the beach of 130th Street in Rockaway by Elaine’s older sister, Carol. John and Elaine ended up buying a house on 130th Street, where they raised three children, Kenneth, James, and Christine. In 2005, John and Elaine became snow birds when they purchased a property in Port St. Lucie, Florida. In 2012, they became full-time residents of Florida after Hurricane Sandy.
John will be remembered for the joy he brought to people’s lives. He loved making people laugh, and had jokes at the ready at all times. John could always find a way to shine his light in the dark, and bring a smile to anyone’s face.
John was not only funny, but he led with his heart. He always tried to do the right thing, and he was always there if you needed him - whether you were family or a stranger. John loved spending time on the Ham radio, talking to people from across the globe. To John, strangers were friends you hadn’t met yet.
He was a great cook, fisherman, painter, and family man. Above all, John was proud of his family. He loved attending his children’s activities growing up, and continued to be proud of their accomplishments as they grew their careers. As a grandfather, John was exceptionally proud of the athletic talent of his grandson, Carrick, a terrific soccer player and fun-spirited kid just like his grandpa.
John was a devout Catholic, spending 10 years as a brother at the Franciscan Friars of Atonement. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, attaining the special honor of Fourth Degree, and was a committed member of the San Damiano men’s group at St. Lucie Catholic Church. John felt honored to dedicate his time to serving the Church and his community. Over the years, he handmade thousands of rosary beads and would give them out and ask for a prayer in return.
John will be greatly missed on Earth, but his light will continue to shine down from Heaven. He is probably gathering some new jokes for when we all meet again.
John is preceded in death by his parents, an older brother Thomas and many cherished pets.
He is survived by his wife, Elaine; his children, Kenneth Hetzel, James Hetzel and his wife Joanne, Christine Bertan and her husband Bryan; his grandson, Carrick Hetzel; his younger sister, Margaret Moynihan; his younger brother, Raymond Hetzel; and many nieces and nephews.
