John Albert Ash

John was born on July 9, 1943, in Brooklyn, New York, to John & Florence Ash. He grew up in Lindenhurst, New York, and later settled in Moriches, New York, where he and his beloved wife, Joan, raised their two children, Kevin and Leiann.

John married the love of his life, Joan M. Ash, on June 26, 1965, at Seaford Baptist Church in Seaford, New York. For more than 61 years, Joan remained at the center of his life. John was deeply devoted to her and delighted in taking care of her, spending time with her, and making sure she knew just how much she was loved.

John proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1963 to 1969, receiving an honorable discharge. He attended Long Island University’s Southampton campus and later attended the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia.

John devoted 33 years to a distinguished career with the Suffolk County Police Department in New York. He began his career as a patrolman in 1967 and, through years of service and leadership, rose through the ranks of sergeant, lieutenant, captain, deputy inspector, and ultimately inspector. He retired from the department in 2000. His law-enforcement career was an important part of his life, and he maintained those friendships and connections through organizations including the Superior Officers Association, Police Benevolent Association, Retired Detectives Association, and the Elks.

After retirement, John and Joan made their home in Florida, where John remained active in the things he loved most. He was involved with Englewood Methodist Church, where singing in the choir brought him great joy. Music was a constant in his life. He enjoyed playing his Lowrey organ and was always eager to learn, taking classes simply because he enjoyed gaining new knowledge and experiences.

John loved traveling with Joan, family, and friends. He was social by nature, enjoyed being around people, and rarely missed an opportunity for good conversation or laughter. Those who knew him will remember his sense of humor, his love of friends and family, and, above all, the extraordinary devotion he had for Joan.

John is survived by his wife of more than 61 years, Joan M. Ash; his son, Kevin Ash and his wife, Tammie, of Shelby, North Carolina; and his daughter, Leiann Laiks and her husband, Kevin, of San Francisco, California.

He was a proud grandfather to Andrew Ash and his wife, Courtney, of Texas; Corey Ash and his wife, Katie, of North Carolina; Jeffrey Ash and his wife, Gaby, of New York; Benjamin Sprouse of North Carolina; Kaylee Ash of North Carolina; Sarah Gochenour and her husband, Jordan, of Maryland; Beth Paul and her husband, Moran, of North Carolina; Graydon Laiks of California; and Cora Laiks of California.

John was also blessed with six great-grandchildren: Maddison, Grayson, Harper, Lily, Oliver, and Asher.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John & Florence Ash, of Lindenhurst, New York.

John lived a life marked by service—to his country, his community, his friends, and his family. But perhaps the clearest picture of who John was can be found in the life he built with Joan. After more than six decades together, she remained the person he most wanted beside him. His family will remember his humor and stories, his music, his friendships, the trips they shared, and the way he loved and doted on Joan throughout their life together.

Kays, Ponger, Uselton, & Lemon Bay Funeral Home in Venice, Florida, is handling arrangements.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Englewood Methodist Church, 700 E Dearborn St, Englewood, FL 34223, on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at 11AM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in John’s memory to Residing Hope, formerly the Florida United Methodist Children’s Home.