JOHN E. LARKIN

Jan. 5, 1923 - June 21, 2012
OSCEOLA - Lifelong city resident John E. Larkin, Jr. has died after a brief illness. He was a member of St. Joseph Parish.

He graduated from St. Joseph Elementary School and South Bend Central High School and attended Bradley University.

He spent most of his working life employed in auto-related industries, with significant time working at Bendix, Singer, Rommy Hammes, and Basney. John also spent a great many years working at South Bend Children's Dentistry with Dr. Michael Johns and his wife, Rose. Retirement allowed him to spend more time tending his roses, spoiling his dog, and taking such loving care of his wife. He also continued a lifetime of support of Notre Dame football and Chicago Cubs baseball. Perhaps his most notable legacy will be the joy he brought to so many family and friends each and every Christmas season putting up decorations that each year outdid the year before. He never tired of the wonder on the faces of the young and old who would come and sit to enjoy the magic of the season.

It should always be remembered that when called upon, he served with distinction and bravery. On June 8, 1944, he and his band of brothers landed at Cherbourgh under intense enemy fire. Only 19 of 300 survived. For his actions in Europe he earned a Purple Heart and was awarded the Bronze Star for valor.

He was preceded in death by his father, John Sr.; his mother, Florence; his aunt, Mayme; his sister, Mary Ellen (Louis) Kubiak; his brother, David; and his daughter, Sharon (Leedle, Philip) Wiseman.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Patricia; sons, John (Carol), Joseph, Michael (Sandy), Thomas and Robert; daughters, Fran (Ron) Young, Kathryn (Alexander) Wojcicki, Patricia (Leonard) Sheley, Rebecca (Timothy) Huff, Margaret and Ann Marie. He also leaves behind over 100 grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren and many friends. 

His hard work taught us of his expectations. His character never allowed us to see the hardships he endured. His honor has never been questioned. His quiet strength protected us from all he could and gave us the knowledge that we always had a home, a shelter from any storm. His wisdom shows in all he did, may we all be wise enough to recognize it and use it in our lives now. His humility would never allow for us to call him the true Hero that he is. 

The family wishes to extend a very sincere thank you to the staff on duty with him in the CICU of St, Joseph's Regional Med Center, as well as The Center for Hospice, who took such gentle care of John and his family. To those who wish, memorials may be sent to the St. Joe County Humane Society. J

ohn requested no formal services be held, but please join us for a gathering in his honor taking place on Sunday, July 1, from 1 pm to 4 pm, at VFW Post 9820, 4829 West Linden, South Bend. John will be forever missed by all who knew him. Chapel Hill Funeral Home, 10776 McKinley Highway, Osceola, is handling arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.chapelhillmemorial.com.

Published by South Bend Tribune from Jun. 26 to Jun. 27, 2012

02/07/2023 EJS