Francis Robert St. John

Francis Robert St. John was born March 29, 1924 in Rochester, New York to Michael and Eva St. John. He was the second of three children. He has a brother, William, and a sister, Eileen Susie. He graduated from Edison Technical and Industrial High School in June 1942. He was employed at Bausch and Lomb prior to joining the United States Navy. He was assigned to various duty stations including Kaneohe NAS Hawaii however the majority of his tour was spent assigned to the U.S.S. Ticonderoga CV-14 in the Pacific Theatre. The "Big T" was involved in several battles including Luzon Philippine Islands, Marshall Islands, Southern Kyushu, Formosa, French Indo-China Vietnam, while off Vietnam the ship was hit by 2 kamikaze aircraft on January 21, 1945, with a loss of 139 crew members. A squadron of F6F Hellcat aircraft from the ship had the distinction of making the last carrier based attack on Japanese forces on Guam. While on liberty during repair of the ship, Francis returned to Rochester to marry Monica Boss on March 24, 1945. After discharge from the Navy he was returned to Rochester and was employed by Rochester Gas and Electric. Their first son, Arthur was born in October 1946, followed by Robert in May 1949, David in November 1951, Donald in January 1955, and Daniel in February 1958. Eventually he was employed at Eastman Kodak Company at Kodak Park; he was transferred to Kodak Colorado Division in January, 1971. The family settled in Fort Collins where they maintain a home. He retired from Eastman Kodak in 1983 with 30 years of service. After retirement, Francis and Monica travelled, visiting family in various parts of the country. Francis spent his time fly fishing and working in his yard; after a heart attack he became associated with the "Attack Pack" and participated in many events with pack. Francis was preceded in death by his parents, Michael and Eva; brother, William; and son, Donald. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Monica; sons, Arthur Gayle of Westminster, Colorado, Robert Wendy of Albion, New York, David Denise of Douglas, Wyoming, Daniel Rita of Fort Collins, Colorado, and daughter-in-law, Carolyn widow of Donald of Fort Collins; grandchildren, Danielle Wingert Jeremy of Steamboat Springs, Colorado, Marlene Sherman of Albion, New York, Charles St. John Val of Holley, New York, Michael St. John of Wyoming, Robert St. John Dixie of Kenai, Alaska Michelle Martin of Douglas, Wyoming, Angie Chris Lusk of Evansville, Wyoming, Mandy Jared Vollman of Douglas, Wyoming, Christopher St. John of Fort Collins, Anthony St. John Angela of Fort Collins, Gregory St. John of Shreveport, Louisiana, Jennifer St. John of Fort Collins; and twelve great-grandchildren. He is also survived by a sister, Eileen St.John of Indianapolis, Indiana; and half-sister, Ethel Braun of Rochester, New York, along with many cousins, nieces & nephews. A Rosary Service will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Sunday at Bohlender Funeral Chapel. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Monday at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Interment with Military Honors by the Fort Collins All Veterans Honor Guard will follow at Grandview Cemetery, Those who wish may view Mr. St. John Saturday from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. and Sunday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Bohlender Funeral Chapel.

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Francis Robert St. John

March 29, 1924 - November 13, 2012