John Donald Carl Bacon, 60, of Pinellas Park, FL passed away at his residence on January 5, 2013. His funeral service is 1:00 PM, Friday, January 11, 2013 at Northside Baptist Church, 6000 38th Avenue North, St Petersburg, FL with Pastor Tim Knoll, to officiate. The family will receive friends at the church from 12:00 PM until service time. Graveside service are 2:15 PM, Tuesday, January 15, 2013 at Bay Pines National Cemetery 10000 Bay Pines Blvd., Bay Pines, Florida 33744 with father James Donnelly and the United States Air Force Honor Guard from Mac Dill AFB, FL, to officiate.
During his military career, he was stationed at Malmstrom AFB, Montana as a Security Police Specialist and was awarded the National Defense Medal, Southeast Asia Service Medal and an Air Force Good Conduct Medal. He served overseas in Thailand after his military career, he served in the National Guard and retired from the military as an S/Sgt. He was of the Catholic and Christian faith and he was a member of the American Legion.
John is survived by his loving family: his wife of 40 years, Debbie Bacon of Pinellas Park, FL; his son, John David Christopher Bacon and his wife, Theresa of Syracuse, New York; his daughter, Chealsie Bacon and her life partner, Amanda Morrison of Largo, Florida; his parents, John and Elaine (Bailey) Bacon of Smyrna, Tennessee; two brothers, Stephen Bacon and his wife, Susan, of New Hampshire and Neil Bacon and his wife, Marie, of New Jersey; a sister, Marcie Ballard and her husband, Shawn,of Raleigh, North Carolina; grandchildren: Emily Bacon and Sarah Bacon; sister in laws, brother in laws and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
The family requests, that in lieu of flowers, to please make a donation to the Wounded Warrior Project in the memory of S/SGT John Donald Carl Bacon-USAF-Retired-Security Policeman.
Veterans Funeral Care
727-524-9202
Dear Debbie,
Please accept my condolences for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers. I hope 40 years of wonderful memories will help you heal.
Love,
Ann Griffin
My prayers are with you and the Entire Family.
Love Suzen.
Dear Debbie and Family,
I know the pain you feel and am so sorry you have it. John was John – funny, serious, intelligent, caring! I can’t remember to many times I didn’t see him in his cap with his pins.
John will be missed by all who met him!
Love,
Jan
My Dear Sister Debbie, Johnny,Theresa,Chealsie,Amanda and our sweet little Emily and Sarah. John meant more to our Family then words could ever be written down. He has been a big part of our lives. I knew him to be a very sweet, caring individual he was the superglue of our family! John was one proud man He Loved his family so much! He who would light up a room with his smile.
He will be missed but never forgotten..our hearts are broken I wish I had enough superglue to put them all back together..Love ya so much
Marty and I have loss a Son-In-Law that is irreplaceable. His memories will live in our hearts forever. John was a strong member of our family for over 40 years, married to Our Firstborn Debbie whom he loved and adored. His Children also admired their Dad for how good of a person he was. He was a very intelligent man, and self taught in so many areas of mechanics, electronics, carpentry, pool maintenance, Nursery and on and on! John could do anything if he put his mind to, and for that reason he became the major helper for the entire family! He was always available, and willing to help us no matter what the need or the hour of the day!He was so proud of his Grandchildren, and amazed how intelligent and quick his Granddaughter Emily was, loved to play with her on the floor! He showed his Love for his family on a daily basis, and he had big shoulders for any problem, big or small! His attributes were many, and because he was such a kind person and a true Gentleman, he always showed his respect (a loss fashion) by opening doors to enter vehicles, and having an umbrella ready at hand, to assist the women to and from their cars. John cared for everyone in the family, and He never said a bad word about anyone. John was like Will Rogers, He could not say a bad word, and he never met a person he didn’t like. John was also a true patriot, he loved his country, and would defend her with every fiber of his being. He would not hesitate to speak out to anyone for any injustice act including even the President. He dedicated 23 years of his life in the United States Air Force performing his duties honorably. I could go on about John and not miss a step, but to be perfectly honest I was proud to have John for our Son-In-Law, We Loved him a great deal, he was a rock and foundation for his family, and ours. He will be missed by us, and never forgotten as he was a gift from God to us all. The mold was broken when he arrived on this earth 60 years ago! He is already missed by his family and us, and there will never be another person like John. RIP!
Debbie,
Our sympathies on John’s passing. John’s name still comes up when we talk about the comings and goings at Stewart. John was one of the nicest people that we ever met anywhere and even though neither of us is at the hospital we miss interacting with the old crowd. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
Dear Debbie and Family, We send you our deepest sympathy. May the peace which comes from the memories shared, comfort you now and in the days ahead.
Very sorry to hear about your losing John. Had many great times with him in the Air Force and many great memories. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
My heart goes out to the family in the loss of this wonderful young man. We will be joining you, on Friday, to pay tribute and remember John. Our deepest sympathy. Aunt Maryann and Uncle John
Our deepest sympathies to John’s family. We fully understand the pain and suffering of losing such a loved one, and we continue to pray for the family’s comfort and healing. John Bacon will always be remembered as a good and respectful man.
His life will always be carried on through the love of his family.
Dear Debbie and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you all. When I first met the whole family on the first Easter that I spent with you all, I remember John, he came right upto me and said hi and started telling me stories. He always made me feel included in your wonderful family events, always making sure to come say hi. He will be missed. May God be with you all every step of the way.
We are very sorry for your loss. He will be missed. We’ll be praying for the family.
I had the honor of knowing John for many, many years. He was a great Husband, Father, family member and friend. His calm, steady demeanor and unique sense of humor made him a joy to be around. He was a man to be emulated in his dedication to his wife and family and will be missed by all who knew him. The void left by his early passing will never be filled but, his presence in Heaven will be a blessing to all there, as it was to all he touched here. Continued thoughts and prayers to Debbie, Johnny, Chealsie and the entire family!!! God Bless…
I am going to share the letter I wrote for my dad, and spoke at his funeral.
To my daddy
From your munchkin Chealsie
Forgive me here,But Ive never been good at speaking in front of people, or a crowd. I suppose I got that from my dad. I would wonder what he would say to me, everytime I hear a song,or see a picture, or think of a memory and break down and cry. My dad would never want to see me cry, or upset. He would want to make it better, and give me a hug, tell me its ok “darling daughter”…but on January 5th I lost that. I never took my dad for granted,but I always thought I would have him forever, or realistically for at least 20 more years. Any age is young to lose your parent,27 for me it just isn’t fair. It isn’t fair for such a loving,caring,giving,kind father,husband,uncle,brother,son,nephew,papa,cousin to not be here with the rest of us. He isn’t in a better place. He should be here with his family.
Most of you who know me know me as a daddys girl and knew the bond we had. Not only did he call me his munchkin,darling daughter, but he also used to hold my hand across the street for safety,until I was old enough to call him dad instead of daddy. When I was in 7th grade I needed glasses. He and I went to pick them out and I told him I wanted the same glasses he wore. I looked up to my dad. I was proud of him in every way. I was proud he was in the air force and took an interest in it. We shared a liking in a lot of the same music, and he didn’t force me to like it, I just did. Whenever I needed him, he was always there. He always made time for me. He performed surgery on my stuffed animal spot and re-stuffed him for me. When I was scared one time in Elmira he let me sleep next to him. When I was 5 he would put his arm under my head so he would know if I got up or not while he was sleeping. He helped me with my science projects. I loved our road trips and cherished every moment spent. I loved his jokes and funny comments and To me. He wanted only happiness for me.I didn’t need a special occasion to take a picture with my dad. He was my special occasion and I not only lost my dad but my best friend and now have a hole in my heart.
My dad was very proud of both my brother and I. I learned about from my dad. He was always kind to everyone and anyone. When he and I used to go to the store, and he would talk to the cashier. It wasn’t small talk, he genually cared about people. My dad never knew how much he touched people’s lives .Sadly enough I’m not sure he knew just how much everyone loved him. I never realized how many sentimental things my dad kept from me. He kept them because I gave them to him growing up. When ever him and I would go out, ladies always had the door opened for them. I’m like dad I got it ( lol ) but he still would do it. He was a true gentleman. He always held the car door opened for my mom and I, or Amanda or nana. He was a true gentleman, always making sure people ate before him, getting a plate for my mom, offering anyone else a plate, and was the first one doing dishes. He would go out of his way to talk to everyone at a family function. My dad didn’t hold a grudge and he didn’t sweat the little things. When it was raining he would hold my mom under the umbrella,or I,or nana..you get where Iam going. Many husbands don’t do this. He showed he loved us, even if I never got it everyday, he said it. My dad was very knowledgeable, but never made you feel like any less of a person. He was humble.
My Dad had a liking to any music, and didn’t care what it was or how people might look at him. If it sounded good to him, he liked it and that’s where our bond is as well. When I heard a new song and I thought my dad would like it I would come over and play it for him, and he usually did. I could go on and on. My point is,don’t let the little things bother you. Be kind to people. Hold the door opened for the person walking behind you. Let the person with 3 items go in front of you at the store if you have a cart full..don’t be afraid to tell someone you love them. Keep little things that your kids give you,or your wife..my dad was very very sentimental guy and now I fully get how and where I got it from.. I don’t think he ever truly got that if he ever did leave, it would leave a hole in everyone. Tell someone important in your life how much you appreciate them. Tell someone important in your life that you love them. Make the effort to get to know someone. Tomorrow is never promised and life is to be lived without regrets. I wish I could see the look on his face seeing so many people who genually loved my dad.
Everytime I hear a plane I will miss him telling me what type of plane it is. I will always miss my daddy, and I hope he knows that He was the best father a girl could ask for. I was proud of him and proud to be his darling daughter.
I’ll love you always, dad.
I am going to share the letter I wrote for my dad, and spoke at his funeral.
To my daddy
From your munchkin Chealsie
Forgive me here,But Ive never been good at speaking in front of people, or a crowd. I suppose I got that from my dad. I would wonder what he would say to me, everytime I hear a song,or see a picture, or think of a memory and break down and cry. My dad would never want to see me cry, or upset. He would want to make it better, and give me a hug, tell me its ok “darling daughter”…but on January 5th I lost that. I never took my dad for granted,but I always thought I would have him forever, or realistically for at least 20 more years. Any age is young to lose your parent,27 for me it just isn’t fair. It isn’t fair for such a loving,caring,giving,kind father,husband,uncle,brother,son,nephew,papa,cousin to not be here with the rest of us. He isn’t in a better place. He should be here with his family.
Most of you who know me know me as a daddys girl and knew the bond we had. Not only did he call me his munchkin,darling daughter, but he also used to hold my hand across the street for safety,until I was old enough to call him dad instead of daddy. When I was in 7th grade I needed glasses. He and I went to pick them out and I told him I wanted the same glasses he wore. I looked up to my dad. I was proud of him in every way. I was proud he was in the air force and took an interest in it. We shared a liking in a lot of the same music, and he didn’t force me to like it, I just did. Whenever I needed him, he was always there. He always made time for me. He performed surgery on my stuffed animal spot and re-stuffed him for me. When I was scared one time in Elmira he let me sleep next to him. When I was 5 he would put his arm under my head so he would know if I got up or not while he was sleeping. He helped me with my science projects. I loved our road trips and cherished every moment spent. I loved his jokes and funny comments and To me. He wanted only happiness for me.I didn’t need a special occasion to take a picture with my dad. He was my special occasion and I not only lost my dad but my best friend and now have a hole in my heart.
My dad was very proud of both my brother and I. I learned about from my dad. He was always kind to everyone and anyone. When he and I used to go to the store, and he would talk to the cashier. It wasn’t small talk, he genually cared about people. My dad never knew how much he touched people’s lives .Sadly enough I’m not sure he knew just how much everyone loved him. I never realized how many sentimental things my dad kept from me. He kept them because I gave them to him growing up. When ever him and I would go out, ladies always had the door opened for them. I’m like dad I got it ( lol ) but he still would do it. He was a true gentleman. He always held the car door opened for my mom and I, or Amanda or nana. He was a true gentleman, always making sure people ate before him, getting a plate for my mom, offering anyone else a plate, and was the first one doing dishes. He would go out of his way to talk to everyone at a family function. My dad didn’t hold a grudge and he didn’t sweat the little things. When it was raining he would hold my mom under the umbrella,or I,or nana..you get where Iam going. Many husbands don’t do this. He showed he loved us, even if I never got it everyday, he said it. My dad was very knowledgeable, but never made you feel like any less of a person. He was humble.
My Dad had a liking to any music, and didn’t care what it was or how people might look at him. If it sounded good to him, he liked it and that’s where our bond is as well. When I heard a new song and I thought my dad would like it I would come over and play it for him, and he usually did. I could go on and on. My point is,don’t let the little things bother you. Be kind to people. Hold the door opened for the person walking behind you. Let the person with 3 items go in front of you at the store if you have a cart full..don’t be afraid to tell someone you love them. Keep little things that your kids give you,or your wife..my dad was very very sentimental guy and now I fully get how and where I got it from.. I don’t think he ever truly got that if he ever did leave, it would leave a hole in everyone. Tell someone important in your life how much you appreciate them. Tell someone important in your life that you love them. Make the effort to get to know someone. Tomorrow is never promised and life is to be lived without regrets. I wish I could see the look on his face seeing so many people who genually loved my dad.
Everytime I hear a plane I will miss him telling me what type of plane it is. I will always miss my daddy, and I hope he knows that He was the best father a girl could ask for. I was proud of him and proud to be his darling daughter.
I’ll love you always, dad.
John was a great man and he loved his family very much. I remember when his Daughter, Chealsie and I first became friends, I remember being so surprised at how highly she spoke of her Father and how proud she was of him. She would always light up with excitement and pride when speaking about him and she was so very proud to be Daddy’s Little Girl. I had never met someone who felt so deeply and so strongly about family as Chealsie nor had I ever met a family whose bonds were so deep, so genuine, and so pure. I remember the very first time I met John, Chealsie was excited for me to meet him and brought me into their home in Wallkill, NY. I was a little bit of a delinquent back then so meeting parents was a big fear of mine. I remember John sitting in the upstairs kitchen and Chealsie bringing me in to meet him. Initially I was afraid, not of the man who sat there in front of me but of what he would think of me, of his opinions, or words. I think John knew I was uncomfortable as he stayed silent for just a few moments before cracking a joke and breaking the ice. This was the very first memory I have of John and it set the stage for all of my future interactions with him. John accepted me right away, he passed no judgment on me, and over the years him and his family opened their hearts and home to me numerous times. This family amazed me and continues to amaze me, I had never known family, compassion, and unconditional love like they have for one another. Throughout the years there were countless times when Chealsie and others would reach out to her Father for assistance and he was there, no questions asked. Although I cannot say that I knew John as well as his family and friends did, I can say that I am truly thankful to John for his example, I am thankful to him for some of the most amazing people I have met, for my best friend who is exactly like her Father and who never gave up on me and helped make me a better, more compassionate, and more understanding person. My heart goes out to the entire family as I cannot even begin to imagine their pain. I know that John will live on in their hearts, their memories, and their actions. John has set the bar very high and we could all take a few notes from him and the example that he has set. Rest in peace John. “He kept at true good humour’s mark. The social flow of pleasure’s tide: He never made a brow look dark, Nor caused a tear, but when he died.” Thomas Love Peacock
Dad, I never thought that when I said goodbye that night that it was really goodbye. I will miss being able to call you for your advice and just to ask you dumb questions. I have learned through you to be nice to everyone, not to hold a grudge, if you do something take pride in it, love your family and always be there when they need you. I will miss you more than you know and will still bother you all the time for your advice and guidance. Emily and Sarah will know who their Papa was through the great memories we will share with them. Love you! Johnny, Theresa, Emily and Sarah
While sitting at my big brother’s funeral I remembered a poem I had read. I thought it was perfect for him- it truly describes John. He lived with a true heart; he loved his family, his friends, and his country; and he had a passion for learning. I believe when I read this poem that Johnny is proud of how “he lived his dash.” I love you and look forward to seeing you again.
The Dash
by Linda Ellis
I read of a man who stood to speak
at the funeral of a friend.
He referred to the dates on her tombstone,
from the beginning…to the end.
He noted that first came the date of her birth
and spoke of the following date with tears,
but he said what mattered most of all
was the dash between those years.
For that dash represents all the time
that she spent alive on earth.
And now only those who loved her
know what that little line is worth.
For it matters not, how much we own,
the cars…the house…the cash.
What matters is how we live and love
and how we spend our dash.
So, think about this long and hard.
Are there things you’d like to change?
For you never know how much time is left
that can still be rearranged.
If we could just slow down enough
to consider what’s true and real
and always try to understand
the way other people feel.
And be less quick to anger
and show appreciation more
and love the people in our lives
like we’ve never loved before.
If we treat each other with respect
and more often wear a smile,
remembering that this special dash
might only last a little while.
So, when your eulogy is being read,
with your life’s actions to rehash…
would you be proud of the things they say
about how you spent YOUR dash?
sorry to hear about john he worked with me at Malmstrom.
Here I am in Odessa Ukraine and just wanted to write a note and a prayer, and say that you are still in my thoughts my brother and always will be. You are still truly missed by all. I sure that you and John Bullock have met up and having a great time in that heavenly place. Tonight I will light a candle and have two shots. Love ya Brother. Rob
I have returned to this page many times, just to see your face. The hole that you left in my life can never be filled. I miss you, my friend, like no other. The way you laughed still echos in my mind and I hear your voice, calling me Ace and I always wonder what I messed up this time?! No matter what, you always made me smile and still do, just by the thought of you. You will ever be in my heart John and there you will remain, until I see you again. I love you.
Hey Dad, You’ve been gone almost 3 years now but I wanted to write you and let you know your granddaughters are growing like weeds. Emily has your picture in her room and both of them say good morning to you just about every day. We even found a play cell phone that you had used to record a message to Emily on saying “Emily pick up your toys”. I have it locked away and every now and again I listen to it just to remind me what your voice sounded like. I sure do miss you but wanted you to know that everything is going well. I sure wish you could help mom move on with her life. Things really have gone down hill for me since your death. Almost 3 years now and I don’t think shes been able to heal at all. Hopefully one day she will be able to find some peace. Well, I just wanted to read all the nice things people wrote here for you and drop this quick note to give an update. Love you…
Johnny
Just thinking about you on this special day John. A lot of your friends from NB reunion have you in their thought and prayers. Miss you my Brother. I’m sure you and John Bullock have connected. You are in my thought and prayers .