Thursday, March 30, 2023

Death of John Maysa

I received word from Richard Hoffer that John had passed away back in September of 2021.

John Maysa, 83, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, September 20, 2021 at his home.

He was the loving husband of Nilsa (Coll) Maysa for 56 years. Born February 2, 1938 in New Britain; the son of the late Frank and Ann (Gay) Maysa. John attended Sacred Heart School in New Britain and graduated from New Britain High School, Class of 1956. After high school graduation, he proudly joined the U.S. Air Force. Upon completion of basic training, he was assigned to the Yakota Air Base in Japan. While at the air base, he started his long road to a college degree. He completed his time in the Air Force on March 16, 1960. John returned home to New Britain and went to work at Emhurt and continue his college education at the University of Hartford from 1960 – 1962. On February 23, 1962, he joined the Department of State – Foreign Service. He was assigned to various positions worldwide. From 1962 – 1964 he was stationed in Rome, Italy, from 1964 – 1966 in Mogadishu, Somali, from 1966 – 1968 in Oslo, Norway, and from 1968 – 1971 in Amman, Jordan. While in Jordan, he received an award for valor. John was then stationed from 1971 – 1974 in Hamburg, Germany and from 1976 – 1978 in Moscow, Russia. When in the U.S.S.R., the Moscow fire took place in his office during its reconstruction. He was then stationed from 1978 – 1983 to the Department of State in Washington D.C. While in Washington D.C., he again pursued his college degree. He attended the University of Maryland College Park and in 1983, he graduated Cum Laude and became a member of the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi. John then was stationed from 1983 – 1985 in Beijing, China. The U.S. had just established relations with China and he and his wife opened a new embassy there. He was then stationed from 1983 – 1988 in Manila, Philippines. In 1988, John retired from the Foreign Service after having serviced with the Department of State for 30 years. He received various commendations and awards during his many years with the State Department.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a brother, Peter Maysa.

Friends called on Monday, September 27, 2021 at Montano-Shea Funeral Home, 5 Steele Road, New Hartford. A Mass of Christian burial was held on Tuesday, September 28, 2021 at Sacred Heart Church, New Britain at 10 AM. Burial followed at Sacred Heart Cemetery, New Britain with Military Honors.

Tuesday, March 21, 2023

Death of Geraldine "Jerry" Ward

I received word from Larry that his wife passed away:

Geraldine "Jerry" Ward, 87, died on Tuesday, March 21, 2023 at 9:34 a.m. from complications of Covid. She was born in Tulsa, OK to John G. Mulrenin and Helen M. (Watson) Mulrenin. Her parents and a brother John Mulrenin are deceased.

She is survived by her husband of 56 years Larry, a sister Francine Gruette of Cushing, OK, her two sons John Ward of Front Royal, VA and Michael Ward, daughter in law Michelle, grandson Evan all of Clifton, VA and granddaughter Macy Ward of Washington, D.C.

Jerry served in the U.S. Air Force as a flight attendant in the Military Air Transport Service for three years. She attended Tulsa Business College after which she worked for Hurst Publishing Company. Jerry joined the U.S. State Department’s Foreign Service in 1962 and served in Beirut, Lebanon, Paris France and Bridgetown, Barbados as a Consular Officer where she met and married her husband Larry. After the Barbados assignment she took a leave of absence from the Foreign Service and accompanied her husband and two sons on assignments to Lahore, Pakistan, Brussels, Belgium, Nairobi, Kenya, and Bonn Germany. She became an active Consular Officer again in 1978 and received assignments to London, England and Manila, Philippines. Jerry was assigned back to the Department of State in 1984 where she worked as a Refugee and Migration Affairs Officer. She retired in 1991 and was then employed as a contract employee in the Refugee and Migration Services Office at the State Department for two years. Jerry retired for the last time in January 1994. She and her husband moved to Albuquerque, NM in 1998.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Anyone wishing to send condolences to "Larry" and family the following is furnished:

Larry A.Ward
4501 Noche Clara Avenue, NW
Albuquerque, NM 87114-5599
Tel: (505) 792-0913
nmlarryward@comcast.net

Thursday, March 09, 2023

I received word from Mike McCaffrey that Bob had passed away on January 27 while wintering in Florida. Anyone wishing to send condolences to Sally the following is furnished:

Sally Sandberg
Savanna Club
8125 9th Hole Drive
Port St. Lucie, Florida 34952
Tel: (772) 621-7074
bobsan32@yahoo.com

Friday, February 24, 2023

Death of Richard John Rentz

I received word from Bill Mills that Richard died on February 19, 2023.

Richard John 'Dick' Rentz, of Ormond Beach, loving husband and father, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 19, 2023 at the age of 91. Richard was born February 7, 1932 in Royal Oak, Michigan to John Rentz and Anna Rozanka and graduated from St. Mary's High School in 1950. He enlisted in the United States Navy where he served from 1953 to 1956 in the Asian theater as a Radio Operator onboard the U.S.S. Ernest G. Small, earning the National Defense Service Medal and the China Service Medal.

After his honorable discharge, Richard. embarked upon a career with the Central Intelligence Agency as a Communications Officer. His work led him to various postings around the world, to include Cyprus, Germany, Taiwan, Turkey, Philippines, India, and Australia. He finished out his career in Virginia and retired in 1991 after 34 years of faithful service, whereupon he was recognized with the CIA Honorable Service award.

Richard was a devout Catholic and a Fourth-Degree member of the Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed amateur (ham) radio and gardening and always shared his infectious sense of humor. Richard, affectionately known as "Dickie" by his family and friends, is survived by his wife of 63 years, Theresa Ann, his four children, Michael (Anita) Rentz, Anne Marie (Tony) Dowdy, Richard (Elena) Rentz, and Robert (Stephanie) Rentz, and six grandchildren, Stephanie, Katherine, Caroline, Lucas, Richard, and Marina.

Viewing will be held on Tuesday, February 28 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 89 St. Mary’s Place, Bunnell, Florida, followed by a funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be at a later date at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.craigflaglerpalms.com for the Rentz family.

Friday, February 24, 2023

I received word from Larry Ward that Rose Jacobsen, wife of George Jacobson died on November 19,2022.

Rose was born in Bendorf, Germany to Paul Christ and Elizabeth Schmitt on April 28, 1926. She went to primary school in Bendorf. Rose married George R. Jacobsen in 1952 and traveled the world with him during his military and foreign service career through 1985. Rose worked as a telephone operator for Headquarters US Army Europe for six years. Upon their return to the United States, Maria and George resided in Burke, Va.

Maria is preceded in death by her husband George R. Jacobsen and her 13 brothers and sisters.

Maria is survived by her only son, Robert A. Jacobsen, her granddaughters Nicki Jacobsen and Dani Sellers, and her great grandson, Nathan Sellers.

Funeral services were held at Demaine Funeral Home on November 27, 2022 at 2PM with the Rev. Dr. James Estes officiating. Rose was buried in Arlington National Cemetery next to George on February 24, 2023.

Monday, December 18, 2022

Tuesday, November 22, 2022

Death of Lionel "Babe" Martin

Lionel R. “Babe” Martin, 84, passed from this life on November 17, 2022, to start a life with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He was born August 26, 1938, in Edmundston, NB, Canada, the son of Patrick and Marth (Albert) Martin.

Babe moved from Madawaska to Brewer at the age of 14 with his family and enrolled as a freshman at John Bapst High School. After high school, he enlisted in the United States Air Force.

Upon his completion from the military, he returned to his hometown of Brewer and served a short time on the Brewer Police Force. Babe married his first love, Jane Montgomery, and took a job with the United States Government State Department, where he worked honorably for 30 years. He traveled as a courier to many places in the world.

Lionel volunteered his time to coach kids in many sports. He and his wife Patti spent a year at St. Michaels’s Mission in AZ. He was a master of all trades, from a plumbing job to teaching girls and boys many different sports. Lionel was well-loved and respected by all who knew him.

He loved sports of all kinds, his favorites being the Boston Red Sox and the New England Patriots. He loved discussing politics and being of a democratic persuasion. He didn’t back down on his standards.

In addition to his parents, Lionel was predeceased by his first wife, Jane Martin; son, Martin Kuhn; grandson, Matthew Daily; brothers, John Martin and Bob Martin.

Babe is survived by his wife, Janet (Patti) Doucet-Martin; son, Joe Martin and wife, Jen; daughters, Annette Daily and husband, John, and Kathy Martin; brothers, Lou Martin and wife, Vicki; sisters, Frances Harrill and husband, Jim, and Patti Martin; brother-in-law, Jack Montgomery; many great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Babe inherited a large family from his wife Patti, starting with Lynn Nicke, Carol and husband, Bob, Joey and wife, Nikki, Rene and husband, Russ, Jonathan and Jason.

He is also has many grandchildren, Mathew, now gone; Maya, Samantha, Alex, Anthony, Nadine, Aaron, Bailey, Kaitlin, Lily, Ethan, and Hunter.

Babe will be sadly missed by his family, who truly loved him, and his many beautiful friends, both near and far. He truly believed in the teachings of the Catholic Church and in singing God's praises with the choir. Now that you are finally joined with your wife Jane again, may you rest in peace in the knowledge of a life well lived.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, November 29, 2022 at St. Paul the Apostle, St. John’s Catholic Church, 207 York St., Bangor. Those wishing to attend the Mass remotely may do so by visiting stpaulbangor.me/watch-mass-live. The family invites relatives and friends to share conversation and refreshments in the Parish Hall immediately following the Mass. The Rite of Committal will be in the Quantico National Cemetery, Virginia.

Those wishing to remember Lionel in a special way may make gifts in his memory to a charity of your choice.

Friday, November 18, 2022

Death of Lionel "Babe" Martin

It is sadness and deep regret that I report the passing of a dear friend, Lionel "Babe" Martin! I received the following from his daughter, Kathy, this morning:

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our Father/Grandfather Lionel(Babe) Martin. We could not have asked for a better Dad/Granddad. He was kind, compassionate and had a love for life. He was always there to get us through the tough times. He loved to talk and tell stories and always gave us a good laugh. We take comfort in knowing how much he was loved by everyone who knew him. As difficult as it is for us to lose him, we know he is at peace and reunited with Mom, his son Martin, and sadly his Grandson Matthew.

We love you Dad and will miss you but you will forever be a part of us.

RIP Dad,

Kathy, Joe, Annette and Alex

NOTE: For those wishing to send condolences to his family the following is furnished:

Mrs. Patti Martin
35 Frenchmen Lane, Unit 2
Orrington, ME 04474
babelrm@aol.com

Wednesday, November 09, 2022

Death of John Adam Tyburski

John Adam Tyburski, age 80, of Springfield, Virginia passed away on Wednesday, September 14, 2022. John was born February 26, 1942.

John passed after a long, brave, battle against Esophageal Cancer!

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.virginiacremate.com/locations/chantilly-cremation for the Tyburski family.

Friday, November 04, 2022

Death of Jenny P. Potter

I received word from Mark Butchart that his former wife had passed away. He asked that I post her obituary.

It is with great sadness that we announce that our beloved sister, Jenny Paige Potter, graciously accepted her invitation to Heaven on October 20, 2022. She passed peacefully after a fierce battle with lung cancer. Jenny was born in Albany, Georgia on December 1, 1960, of the late James Edwin Potter, Jr. and Shirley Ann Larrett Potter. Jenny’s was a life well-lived with great courage and an adventurous spirit. At 61 years young, Jenny was taken from us far too soon, all the while grabbing pieces of our individual and collective hearts as she left us.

Jenny followed her father's footsteps into the Navy and was very proud of her military service. She later joined the State Department Foreign Service and traveled extensively with her then husband, Mark Butchart. Jenny obtained a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and worked into the role of financial management officer. During her decades long career, Jenny worked in many foreign countries such as China, Germany, Swaziland, Nigeria, Algeria, Columbia and Panama; however, If asked her favorite duty station, she would not hesitate to say,” Tel Aviv, Israel”. Jenny was tremendously happy that she could bring our mother to visit Israel, experience that trip with her and fulfill her lifelong dream.

Jenny’s love language was acts of service and her acts were the glue that has kept our family tethered. She was the first one to help and the last one to leave, she gave selflessly of her time, physical strength and financial resources to those she loved. She was loving, gracious, forgiving and did not operate in malice aforethought. Jenny was our caretaker during illness, our biggest cheerleader and the best friend we ever had.

Jenny’s passing leaves us broken hearted. She is survived by five brothers, Joe (Deborah) Potter, William Potter, and John Potter, all of Sylvester, GA; Daniel (Stacy) Potter of Albany, GA and David Potter of Leesburg, GA; and three sisters, Laney Koulovatos of Charleston, SC; Lauria (Tony) Grift of Champaign, IL; and Mary Potter of Albany, GA. Jenny is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews – all who were greatly loved.

Jenny is preceded in death by her two brothers, James “Jimmy” Potter and Jeffrey Potter as well as her beloved niece, Lindey Thompson. Also mourning are many life-long friends, several of whom she reconnected with later in her life. These conversations were of great comfort to her as she battled her illness.

Memorial services will be held Saturday, November 12, 2022 at 2:00 pm Hall & Hall Funeral Home with Rev. Robin Chaplin officiating. The family will hold a celebration of life for Jenny at a later date to be announced.