John Joseph Degnan Jr., 84, of Vero Beach, passed away on April 12, 2016, at VNA Hospice House.
He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Ellen Marie Degnan of Vero Beach; children MaryJo Ellen Degnan and Troy Patrick Degnan of Vero Beach; granddaughter Eimear Marie Degnan; grandson Collin Joseph Degnan; sister-in-law Elaine Degnan; nieces Alice Vaughn, Kathleen Schlitt, Diane Poley and Patricia Hudson; nephew John F. Degnan and many great-nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his brother Frances W. Degnan, whom also proudly served in the United States Navy.
Degnan was born July 3, 1931 in Boston, Mass., to the late Pearl and John Joseph Degnan, Sr.
He graduated from the Aquinas Institute, Rochester, N.Y., in 1949. He was passionate with the study of art. He grew to become a beautiful painter and many of his paintings may have been seen in churches and cathedrals throughout the Rochester area.
The son of a Navy veteran and minor league baseball player, Degnan was proud to have served during the Korean War as a Radioman on board the USS Rankin. Following his service in the United States Navy, Degnan worked for Eastman Kodak as a salesman. He married Ellen Marie Proctor and moved to Vero Beach in 1982 where they raised their family.
Degnan was a devout Catholic and a member of St. Helen Catholic Church. He was an avid golfer and previously held the title to the Boston Cup. He loved baseball and was a diehard Boston Red Sox fan, as well as coaching children’s little league teams.
His greatest joy in life was being a father and grandfather. He cherished every moment he spent with his family and friends. He was the life of the party and enjoyed singing and dancing. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10 a.m., Monday, April 18, 2016 at St. Helen Catholic Church followed by an interment with Military Honors at Winter Beach Cemetery, Winter Beach.
An online guestbook may be signed at www.coxgiffordseawinds.com.