John Hancock Creighton

John Hancock Creighton, age 80, of Orlando, Florida, passed away on September 24, 2026. Born in Bronxville, New York, to the late Norman and Gayle Creighton, John lived a life defined by service, leadership, education, and a lifelong commitment to helping others succeed.

John attended DeVeaux School in Niagara Falls, New York, and graduated from St. Peter’s School in Peekskill, New York. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Franklin College in Franklin, Indiana, and a Master of Science degree from Syracuse University in Syracuse, New York.

John served honorably as a Lieutenant in the United States Army. His military service culminated with his receipt of the Commanding General’s Award on his final assignment before his honorable discharge.

Following his military service, John built a successful career in the insurance industry. He began as an insurance agent with Mutual of New York before joining Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Central New York as a small-group representative. He later became a large-group representative for Equitable Life Assurance, where he distinguished himself as a National Sales Leader.

John then embarked on a 30-year career as a professional speaker and seminar leader, traveling throughout the United States to teach, train, and develop others. As an independent trainer for Ford Motor Company, he played a role in launching the company’s long-distance learning system, delivering one- to five-day seminars by broadcast throughout the United States and Canada.

After his work with Ford, John served as a manager with the Hertz Corporation before beginning another important chapter of his career in higher education. He became a tenured professor at Valencia College in Orlando, where his passion for teaching and coaching presentation skills influenced generations of students. Combining his dedication to education with his commitment to fellow veterans, John also developed and taught a veterans-only speech class for six years.

Leadership and public service extended well beyond John’s professional life. As a member of the New York State Jaycees, he held several local and state offices and was awarded a Jaycee International Senatorship, one of the organization’s highest honors. He was also a dedicated member of Toastmasters International, earning the designation of Distinguished Toastmaster, the organization’s highest educational achievement.

John’s devotion to those who served their country remained an important part of his life. As a volunteer with Cornerstone Hospice in Orlando, he personally honored more than 800 veterans for their military service. Most of these tributes were intimate, one-on-one ceremonies, allowing John to personally recognize each veteran and the sacrifices they had made. Among those he had the privilege of honoring was an original Tuskegee Airman.

John was also a proud member of the Patriot Guard Riders. He participated in more than 100 military funerals throughout Florida, standing in honor of fallen veterans and in support of their families.

Across the many chapters of his life—as a soldier, business leader, professional speaker, educator, mentor, volunteer, husband, father, and grandfather—John devoted himself to service and to helping others find their own confidence and potential. His influence can be measured not simply by the honors he received, but by the thousands of students, professionals, veterans, and families whose lives he touched along the way.

John is survived by his wife, Barbara Creighton; his cherished daughter, Jennifer Creighton; his son, William Feld; and his three grandchildren, Patsy and Gianni MacArthur and Adrian Keller Feld.

John will be interred at Florida National Cemetery.