John “Jack” Thomas York, 76, passed away peacefully at home, Friday, July 21, 2017.  Born in Youngstown, Ohio, he was the son of the late Thomas G. and Anne Patricia Gol York.  Jack was an Air Force – Vietnam veteran, retiring as a major, after 21 years of service, and a chief communications computer planner, civil service, for a combined tenure of 42 years of service to his country.

Jack was preceded in death by three daughters, Joann A., Joan B., and Elizabeth Ann York.  He leaves to cherish his memory, the love of his life, Nanette “Nan” A. York, wife of 52 years; children, Patricia Murphy (Joseph), Thomas York (Dawn Renee), Judith York (Sheila Dillon) and Robert York (Dawn Marie); 10 grandchildren, KeriAnne, Eric, Brian, Kinsley, Charlie, Eli, Jillian, Joel, Ayla and Wren; sister, Patricia Christians (Jerry); and a host of extended family members and friends.

It can be said in remembering Jack that he lived a life of patriotism to his country, service to the community, and took part in molding and shaping so many lives. Over the span of his life, Jack received the Bronze Star for his meritorious military endeavors; was a 30-year member of the American Legion and a member of the V.F. W., a member of the Ruritans International and served as a district governor; a member of the Kiwanis, serving as club president.  He volunteered with the American Red Cross in local and state disaster services, with the Leadership Institute of the Virginia Peninsula, United Way, and Sunday school teacher at Langley AFB Chapel.  Jack dedicated 50 years of his energies to the Boy Scouts of America and was council commissioner.

Family and friends will gather Saturday, July 29, 4-6 p.m. for visitation at Colonial Funeral Home and a time and tribute and celebration to Jack’s memory.  A funeral mass will be held at 1 p.m., Sunday, July 30, in Good Shepherd Catholic Church, 300 Smithfield Blvd., Smithfield.  Burial will be at a later date in Gettysburg National Cemetery.

The family requests memorial contributions to Jack’s memory be made to the Isle of Wight Rescue, PO Box 97, Smithfield, VA 23431.
Service arrangements are in the care of Colonial Funeral Home, 14214 Carrollton Blvd. Carrollton, VA.  Family and friends are encouraged to share condolences and remembrances at colonialfuneralhomesmithfield.com.