John Park, 94, of Vero Beach, passed away at home surrounded by his wife and family on Aug. 13, 2014.
He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Audrey Berggren Park; son Kirby Park (Cathy); daughters, Lynn Park Kerby (Steve), Sandy Park Picano, Jodee Park Lyda (Mark); seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
He is predeceased by son-in-law Michael Picano, grandson Dennis Midgette, Jr. and sister, Joel Deen Park Fresh.
He was born on Aug. 19, 1919 in Ocoee, Tenn., to Joseph E. Park and Minnie Prince Park.
He moved to Vero Beach when he was 6-years-old. He graduated from Vero Beach High School in 1938 and worked as Assistant Manager at the Florida Theater. He managed Berggren’s Variety Store in Fort Pierce before joining the U.S. Army Air Corp in 1942 where he served for four years.
Following his discharge he and his wife, Audrey, became owners of Berggrens in Fort Pierce and later Park’s Rental.
Park spent many years serving St. Lucie County. The youth of St. Lucie County were his priority. He served as President of the St. Lucie County Recreation Board serving two different terms during the eighteen years he served on the board. He was a member of the Junior Chamber of Commerce during which time he was named “Man of the Year” and later a member of the Chamber of Commerce. He was a member of the Rotary Club and served as President. He coached the Rotary Little League for 14 years and his team won the American League Championship.
He received recognition from the National Recreation Board for his work in the community. The Lions Club named him “Man of the Year.” He helped implement the Sandy Shoes Festival and served on the board for many years. He was named permanent chairman of the 7-Man Lawnwood Baseball Committee prior to the city taking it over. The Veterans of Foreign War presented him an award for Outstanding Service to the Community.
He was a member of the Westside Baptist Church. During his years in politics he campaigned for Governors Dan McCarty and Leroy Collins and Senator Spessard Holland. He served on the St. Lucie County Commission for 16 years during which time the County Administration Building, the Civic Center and the Community Center were built and dedicated. He was instrumental in the development of the Lawnwood Sport Complex which is named in his honor.
After retiring from politics, Park spent his time building a cabin in North Carolina and restoring a 1930 Model A automobile.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the St. Lucie Little League or Hospice of the Treasure Coast.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, Aug. 21, from 4-6 p.m. followed immediately by a memorial service at 6 p.m. at Haisley Funeral Home, 3015 Okeechobee Road, Fort Pierce. Arrangements are under the direction of Haisley Funeral & Cremation Service. An online guest book may be signed at www.haisleyfuneralhome.com.
