Dennis R. St. John, SFC-US Army-“Special Forces” -Vietnam War Veteran, 71, of Tampa, FL funeral services are 1:00 PM, Wednesday, January 26, 2011 at Florida National Cemetery, 6502 SW 102nd Avenue, Bushnell, Florida 33513 with Captain Art Nave, The Marion County Military Honor Guard and the US Army Honor Guard, to officiate.
A native of Chicago, IL and a local resident since 1976, when he moved here from serving at the Pentagon in Washington, DC; he was a retired SFC (Sergeant 1st Class). During his military career, he was awarded a “Purple Heart”; Meritorious Service Medal; a National Defense Service Medal; a Good Conduct Medal with 5 awards; a Defense Meritorious Service Medal; a Vietnam Service Medal; a Republic of Vietnam Commendation Medal with 60 devices; a Parachute Badge; a Air Crewman Badge; a Overseas Service Medal with 1 bar; a Service Stripes (5) and the European Service Medal for service in Germany serving with the “Berlin Brigade”. After returning from Europe, he was assigned with the Joint Chief of Staff at the Pentagon in Washington, DC and his final assignment was with Special Operations Command at Mac Dill AFB, Tampa, Florida. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge in Germany, “Special Forces Association” and the AMVETS. SFC St. John served with the 7th Special Force Group and then transferred to the 5TH Special Force Group in Vietnam. After retirement, Dennis went to work at St Joseph Hospital in the HVAC Engineering Department of the Hospital and he was of the Presbyterian Faith.
SFC St. John is preceded in death by his parents, Lyle and Katherine St. John and a granddaughter, Tonya Bradford and is survived by his wife, Maryaline St. John of Tampa, FL; his children: a son, Herbert Robinson II of Griffin, Georgia and a daughter, Vonecia Stelly and her husband, Jonathan of McDonough, Georgia; a sister, Carol St. John of Louisville, Kentucky; his grandchildren: Shane Mc Wright, Aaron Mc Wright, Talon Robinson, Josh Robinson, Alex Stelly, Adam Stelly, Christopher Stelly and his great grandchildren: Carter Robinson and Elijah Robinson; Cousins, Shirley Misek, Dolores Curphy (wife of Mack Curphey), Richard Curphy, Larry Curphy and Laura Curphy.
Please send all floral arrangements directly to the cemetery.
Veterans Funeral care
727-524-9202
Mary and family:
Although no words can really help to ease the loss, just know that you are very close in our thoughts and prayers. Dennis was a great mentor to Bryan and always pushed him to continue with his education. He was a great man and we know this is a profound loss for your family. We are thinking of you and offering you hope and comfort.
Love – Bryan & Sue Grimm