Colonel John Anthony Tempone, Sr., USMC (Ret), passed away on June 19th, 2024, at Jackson West Medical Center in Miami, Florida, at the age of 75. He was born on December 17th, 1948, in Stamford, Connecticut, the son of Dr. Frank C. Tempone and Madeline E. Tempone (Nee Procario). He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Ann Katherine.
Col. Tempone graduated from the University of New Haven before being commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps in 1972. His distinguished military career spanned over 31 years of active duty, marked by significant service and leadership roles around the world, including assignments in Vietnam, Lebanon, and the Philippines.
Outside of his military service, John was deeply involved in charitable endeavors, notably serving as a Knight Commander in the Military, Hospitaller Order of St. Lazarus of Jerusalem and he was in The Knights of Columbus. He was also active in the local community, volunteering at Sacred Heart Catholic Church and serving as a member of the Tampa Bay Model Railroad Club. His commitment to service and community continued throughout his life.
Col. Tempone is survived by his beloved wife Charla, his daughter Katherine Cowart, Esq., and her husband Brandon, his son Lieutenant Colonel John Tempone, Jr., and his wife Ana, and his cherished grandchildren, Vivienne, Madeline, and James. His legacy of bravery, dedication, and service to his country and community will be remembered by all who knew him.
A visitation will be held at Blount & Curry Life Event Center in Tampa, on Monday, July 29th, from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm. The following morning mass will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church at 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in his name to dogsinc.org, a charity committed to providing service dogs to those in need.
