Raised in Brooklyn as one of nine children during the Great Depression, John joined the U.S. Army in 1938. While stationed on Governors Island in New York Harbor, he was proud to have been a member of the Honor Guard for the 1939 New York World's fair and later saw combat during World War II as a member of the Big Red One in both Europe and North Africa. During his service, he earned two Purple Hearts and two Bronze Stars as Infantry Sergeant. He was a hero in every way.
John met his wife, Petronela Paulauskas of New York City, during the war. They were married for 35 years and raised two children, John Jr. and Barbara. Lake Hopatcong NJ was their chosen place for retirement and after Petronela’s untimely death in 1977, he married Helen Voltmer of Hackettstown, NJ and moved to Cocoa FL before settling in Palm Shores FL. After Helen's passing in 2010, John moved to Cedar Creek assisted living in Crystal River, FL to be closer to family.
John loved gardening, crossword puzzles and military history and will be remembered for his kindness, wit and wonderful sense of humor. But his true love was family. He is survived by his son John P. Hanvey of New York City and daughter Barbara Sadowski of Lecanto Florida; grandson Len, his wife Katie and their two children, Patrick and Caitlin of Matawan NJ; grandson Richard and his wife Patti of Hopatong NJ, granddaughter Christine Sadowski of Hopatcong, NJ; stepchildren and spouses, Pat and Robert Augustine of Stamford, CT.; Chris and Carmen Bruno of Budd Lake, NJ; Madelene and Charles Milani of Hackettstown, NJ; Loreli Voltmer of Hatboro, PA, and Egon and Joan Voltmer of Glenside, PA.
A memorial Service will take place in the Spring for the immediate family.
Fero Funeral Home Beverly Hills, Fl.
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