John Whiteside

John F. "Jack" Whiteside, 83, of Pinellas Park, FL died on September 27, 2008 at the Hospice of the Woodside in Pinellas Park, FL. A native of Peoria, IL; Jack was an insurance salesman for Progressive Insurance; attended Sacred Heart Catholic Church and a US Navy Veteran of World War II. Jack was a member of the American Legion Post 273 in Madeira Beach, FL and during World War II, he served on the battleship, USS Texas and was awarded 4 Battle Stars; the European African Middle East Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters; Victory Medal; Philippine Liberation Medal and the Asiatic Pacific Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters. He fought at Normandy and Iwo Jima. Preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Hildegard Whiteside; a son, Richard Whiteside and a granddaughter, Abigail Hounshell. Jack is survived by his wife of 60 years, Barbara of Pinellas Park, FL; a son Jon Whiteside and his wife, Christine of Seminole, FL; three daughters: Joann Gunthner and her husband, Ed of Mooresville, NC; Susan Burns and her husband, Matt of St. Petersburg, FL and Linda Zelisko of St. Petersburg, FL; a brother, Fred Whiteside and his wife, Clara of Park Rapids, MN; a sister, Patricia Marken and her husband, Donald of Floral City, FL; nine grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. Services are 12:00 noon, Wednesday, October 1, 2008 at the Hospice House Woodside Chapel, 6770 102nd Avenue North, Pinellas Park, FL 33782 with his nephew, Father David to officiate. Graveside services are 2:15 PM, Wednesday, October 1, 2008 at Bay Pines National Cemetery, 10000 Bay Pines Blvd., Bay Pines, FL 33744 with American Legion Post 273 presenting Honors.