Jack Johannemann

With love and deep sadness, we share that Jack Johannemann passed away surrounded by his family on Sunday, August 23 after a courageous battle with cancer.

He was a loving husband, brother, uncle, Pops, stepfather, friend, brother-in-law, philanthropist, and, above all, a truly wonderful person whose generosity, humor, and kindness touched countless lives.

Jack was born and raised in Roosevelt, Long Island, to Frances and Edward Johannemann. He was the second of six children. At the age of 19, Jack enlisted in the United States Navy and proudly served his country in Vietnam. After serving aboard ships, he continued his Navy career in the Nuclear Submarine Program. During his service, he was awarded the Good Conduct Award, the National Defense Service Medal and the Vietnam Service Medal.

Following his Navy career, Jack continued his work in the nuclear industry. It was during his time at Millstone Power Plant that he co-founded Save the Kid. He spent the last 41years working with that organization and it would be one of the most meaningful parts of his life.

Save the Kid provides resources and assistance to children and young adults with disabilities, helping to fund medical expenses, therapies, adaptive bicycles, and specialized equipment throughout Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Florida. Through his work with the organization, Jack was able to give children something he believed every child deserved—the freedom and joy of simply being a kid.

Jack worked tirelessly to improve the lives of countless children. He especially loved presenting adaptive bicycles to children and watching them experience the freedom of riding alongside their siblings and friends. He often said that giving these bikes to children was among the most meaningful work of his life. Seeing their happiness could bring tears to his eyes. As Jack once put it: “If you think about yourself when you went on your first bicycle ride,when your parents let you go, it was like you were flying. You were free to go where you wanted on your own. These children don’t get to do that without these bikes.”

That sense of adventure and freedom was also a part of Jack's own life. Among their many motorcycle trips together, Jack and JoAnn took to the open road on his Harley, traveling cross-country in 2021. They have also participated in two trips to Washington DC with Rolling Thunder, bringing awareness to MIAs and POWs as the largest demonstration of its kind in the country. Their adventures also took them to Alaska and all along the East Coast, creating memories they cherished together. Jack joked about JoAnn's willingness to join him on his adventures, saying, “JoAnn followed me all over the country.”

Besides their life in Connecticut, together, they also formed a great community of friends in Naples, Florida.

Jack will be remembered for his generosity, his quick sense of humor, his adventurous spirit and his enormous heart. He never hesitated to lend a hand to someone in need. Whether he was helping a child receive a bicycle, sharing a laugh with friends, riding his motorcycle, enjoying time with family or simply being there for someone, Jack gave generously of himself. He was a dedicated Friend of Bill W for over 51 years.

He touched the lives of so many people, and his memory will live on through his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing and loving him.

Jack was predeceased by his parents, his first wife, Barbara and his stepson, Gary.

He is survived by his loving wife, JoAnn; her children, Kara Smith (Brian Kantor) and Jared Smith (Ashley), and her grandchildren, Kinleigh, Greyson, Phia, and Maddox, all of whom loved Jack dearly and held a special place in his heart; his siblings Edward (Lanie), Tom (Joanne), Janet (Jim) Jane (George) and Diana (Charles); His devoted nieces, nephews and grand nieces and nephews, and many extended family members and dear friends who will miss him.

Donations can be made in Jack’s memory to savethekid.org or by using the link below. STK Donation

A Celebration of Life is being planned to honor and remember Jack on October 17th.

Details may be found in the link below:

https://canva.link/4wxh4dri2yusgtb

Thank you for your understanding, love, and support during this difficult time.

With gratitude,

JoAnn Johannemann