93, of St, Petersburg FL, passed away on Wednesday, February 19, 2014 at Bay Pines VA Healthcare System.
Born in Danielson, CT, he moved here from Cranston, RI in 1966. He retired as proprietor of the Sea Horse Restaurant in Pass-a-grille Beach. He was a member of St. Sefanos Greek Orthodox Church. He was an Army veteran of WWII serving with the 82nd Airborne and was awarded the Purple Heart. He was an artist.
He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Jennie; two daughters, Marsha Crews of Pinellas Park, FL and Raynia Hemmer of St. Petersburg; sister, Stasia Pelzer of Largo, FL; and two grandchildren, Sharlee (Frank Wyszynski) Crews and Christopher Hemmer.
A graveside service military honors will be presented at 10:45 AM on Tuesday, March 4, 2014 at Bay Pines National Cemetery, 10000 Bay Pines Blvd., Bay Pines, 33744.
Please sign the guestbook below.
John was a great man and a true American hero. I am honored to have had him and his wonderful wife Jennie in my life. I will always remember him and appreciate his service to our country, being a great father to his daughters and an influence in my life. John-God bless you and say hello to Rey!
Uncle John lived the “Good LIfe” surrounded by a family that loved and adored him. He will be greatly missed… Love You Guys… xoxoxoxo
May his memory be eternal. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. John was an amazing person and we always enjoyed seeing him at church. He had a very positive influence on our children and we were blessed to have known him.
Lost of Uncle Johnny leaves a huge hole in the hearts of his family and the many people who were privileged to know him and all of his kindness. He was very passionate as well as proud of his Greek heritage and liked to share many stories.
Our prayers and thoughts go to Jenny, Marcia, Raynia, Sharlee and Christopher. We will miss you Uncle Johnny.
I first met John when I was working at Florida Power, and he was one of the kindest men I ever knew. It turned out that I had gone to high school with his daughter Raynia, so we always had plenty to talk about. He also gave me some of his artwork which I will always treasure. After he retired, I was delighted to occasionally run into him at Kash ’n Karry and catch up on the latest news. Next I discovered that Raynia worked at Florida Power and lived only a few blocks from me, so now and then we too met. After that I learned that Raynia’s son Chris worked at Kash ’n Karry and then Sweetbay, so I was always asking him about Raynia and John. What a small world and a wonderful family! I’m so very sorry for your loss and will greatly miss hearing about John. He’ll be in good company, though, as my dad was also a veteran of WWII (Navy) and was awarded a Purple Heart and is buried at Bay Pines. Two such great men we’ll never forget. God bless.
So sorry to hear of Johnny’s passing. I have not seen him for so many years but to this day he is part of my best childhood memories. I loved Johnny & Jenny and was so proud they were my godparents. He was a good man and a great father. He will be missed by so many. God bless you Johnny, rest in peace. Jenny, you are in my prayers. Sorry for your loss Marsha and Raynia
With Love, Vicki