Avis de décès de John-T. Lavelle - Nécrologie - MesAieux.com

John T. "Jack" Lavelle died Aug. 10, 2010, following a brief illness. Jack was born in Orange, N.J., on Jan. 8, 1923. He attended Immaculate Conception High School in Montclair, N.J. Jack enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on Oct. 13, 1942, and following basic training, shipped out from San Diego for the Pacific Theatre. He served in Samoa, Wellington, N.Z., Tarawa, Hawaii, Saipan, Tinian and Nagasaki, Japan, as part of the Occupation forces after the city was bombed. He always commented on the friendliness of the Japanese people, despite the bombing and great loss of life in that city. He was discharged at Camp Pendelton on Dec. 25, 1945, with the rank of technical sergeant. For his service, he was awarded the Bronze Star with V for valor, Presidential Citation for service in Tarawa, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, American Theatre Medal, Pacific Theatre Medal, World War II Victory Medal and the Occupation Medal for service in Nagasaki. He was also awarded, later, The New Jersey State Medal. He was a Marine at heart until his last breath. Semper Fi. After service, Jack worked for the U.S. Veterans Administration from March 1946, first as a clerk in the Medical Division at the V.A. Hospital. He later became a contact representative, assisting veterans and their dependents in filing claims for benefits. He was promoted to senior claims examiner, and lastly to rating specialist, evaluating disability and death claims for benefits based on service incurred disease or injury, as well as claims based on need for those who did not have service connected conditions. In 1975, Jack transferred to the V.A. in Phoenix, where, in 1986, he completed his 44 years of service to the Veterans Administration and the veterans and their families. Jack was awarded Outstanding Awards during almost every year of his service. On Jan. 1, 1965, in bitter cold Rome, N.Y., he married Sheilah A. Ragan who survives. He is also survived by his nephew, Bro. Paul, OSB; nieces, Joanne Diveny Garifo, Mary Diveny Loftus, Theresa Diveny Dempsey and Carol Diveny Crate and their children. He was predeceased by his parents, his sister, Nancy, and his brothers, Thomas and James. Jack was a wonderful, kind man who was loved by all who knew him. His memory and his spirit will be with us forever. Special thanks goes to our wonderful neighbors and friends and the wonderful staff at John C. Lincoln Hospital, including, but not limited to, Dr. Villareal, Beth, Vicky, Lois, Catalina, Geoff, Adrienne, Eric and others whose names escape me and I do apologize for my lapse of memory. All of them, named and unnamed will not soon be forgotten. They were very supportive during a very difficult time. Jack did not wish for any service. However, at a later date, he will be buried with military honors at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona in Phoenix. If anyone wishes to make a charitable donation in Jack's memory, donations to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, 5001 Angel, Kanab Canyon, Kanab, Utah 84741 or The Humane Society of Rome N.Y., P.O. Box 4572, Rome, N.Y. 13442 would be greatly appreciated. Jack would never admit that he liked the numerous dogs who passed through our home, including the three who currently make their home with me. It was not until the nurses told of how fondly he talked of them during his hospitalization that I realized his protestations of dislike were all bluster. I think he would approve of donations to help the unwanted animals. Please visit www.hansenmortuary.com to send online condolences.