John Joseph Dangos, November 18, 1927 – January 19, 2021 (age 93) WHEN I’M CALLED TO DUTY GOD, WHEREVER FLAMES MAY RAGE, GIVE ME STRENGTH TO SAVE A LIFE, WHATEVER BE ITS AGE. John was born on November 18, 1927 in St. Louis, Missouri to August and Katherine (Cunningham) Dangos. He was the oldest of five children and lived through The Great Depression, experiencing economic hardship firsthand. He graduated from McKinley High School in 1946 where he excelled in his studies and was a standout athlete in football, baseball and basketball. Following graduation, he was drafted by the St. Louis Browns for his pitching prowess, but military duty called and he proudly served his country in the U. S. Army in occupied Japan. Upon his honorable discharge from the service, he joined the St. Louis Fire Department where he spent his entire 32 year career, retiring as a Battalion Chief in 1982. He and his fellow firefighters constantly risked their lives and were involved in many spectacular fires, most notably the Ralston Purina feed mill fire of 1962 (fought in sub zero temperatures along the Mississippi River) and the Heyday Fire of 1976 in the warehouse district downtown. They were a close knit, courageous force that battled blazes along the riverfront, on train trestles spanning the river, in skyscrapers, dangerous grain elevators, on roads and waterways and at many homes and businesses, saving countless lives and properties for the citizens of St.Louis. During his younger years, he continued playing ball in the popular Muny Baseball League and other leagues. In 1996, he was inducted into the St. Louis Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame and the St. Louis Softball Hall of Fame in 1998. John treasured an autographed picture given him by a former competitor in high school, Rudy “The Rifle” Bukich when he was quarterback for the Chicago Bears. It was signed, “To John, The greatest athlete I know.” In retirement, he enjoyed playing golf with abundant friends and family, 4 times a week for many years, always insisting on teeing off at the crack of dawn and walking the courses. John loved his family and all their adventures. He was married for 61 years to his beloved late wife, Bernice (Mueller) Dangos who everyone affectionately called Bunny. They were married on St. Patrick’s Day in 1952. He is survived by his 3 children: Stephen Dangos (Beth), Deborah Mueller and Donna Bockius (Don); six grandchildren, Sarah Beth Webb (Alex), Ashley Brittingham (Brant), Rachel Grindle (Tim), Graham Mueller (Erin), Brian Bockius (Angie) and Zach Bockius; and 11 great grandchildren, Ben, Mary and Tommy Webb, Layne, Gavin, Blake and Bowen Brittingham, Aiden and Wyatt Grindle and Beckett Mueller and Oliver Mueller. Also, one brother, Jim Dangos (Peggy) and two sisters, Mary Sides (Jerry) and Pat Griffey (Ken). He was predeceased by firefighting brother Mike Dangos (Audrey) and grandchild Emily Mueller. Survivors include many nieces, nephews and dear friends. All share precious memories of John. He died January 19, 2021 fortified in the Sacraments of the Holy Mother Church.
Services: A private visitation will be held at Kutis South County Chapel, 5255 Lemay Ferry Rd., Monday February 1, 2021, 11:30 a.m. until service at 12:30 p.m. Immediately followed by private interment at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memoriam to Backstoppers, Inc.
A man of grace with a legacy to match.
I am so sorry for your loss. So loved spending many a St. Patrick’s Day celebrating their anniversary. What a lovely tribute to a true hero.
I am so sorry to hear of John’s passing. Without a doubt one of the finest humans I have ever been privileged to know. To the entire Dangos family my sincerest condolences.
Sorry for your loss. Prayers for your family
I was so sorry to hear of John’s passing. We just spoke together briefly last week! John was not only a remarkable athlete, but he was a kind man and good friend. We both attended McKinley High and spent many years together playing basketball, baseball and softball. I’m sure he will be missed by many who loved him. Please accept my sincere condolences for your loss.
Ed “Al” Leigh
John (always Mr. Dangos to me) was the father of Steve, my basketball teammate/guard-mate at Mizzou. Steve and I became, have been, and remain the best of friends. Steve was one the greatest guards I ever saw play the game, and it was my good fortune and privilege to have played next to him in many games. I always told Steve that he was one of the best all-around athlete I had ever known and he would always respond, “My Dad was better – he was a phenomenal athlete”. After our playing days, I became very close to the Dangos family, and have many fond memories of being with Steve at his parents’ home, recounting memories and stories past, and laughing hysterically for hours on end. Mr. Dangos did not often show emotion, but his love for his wife and children came shining through. May God take you into his arms and hold you in love and peace for eternity; and, may God be with your children and all of us who are saddened by your passing. Farewell “Mr Dangos” and may you forever rest in peace. – Kevin
I’ve known the Dangos family since 1966 when Deb & I met in 6th grade. We’ve been friends since. Steve also was friends with Curt and that’s how we met. Donna was little sister and always running in and out of the house with friends, Buck.
I remember John & Bunny’s house well, the steep driveway & fenced back yard with their huge German Shepherd,”Dutch”. I recall an incident in grade school when Deb was called home because John fell through the burning floor of a fire he was fighting & was hospitalized. It was on the news that night. I realized then what a brave man he was and a hero.
I’m glad I was able to continue to see him through the years. He will be missed. PEACE to the entire family. Our condolences. Cinda and Curt
So sorry to hear about your brother’s death, both for Mary and Pat and for the rest of the Dangos Family. It is hard to see your family slipping away one by one when you are still here. Your family was so close and I know you will all miss him very much God Bless You. Marianne
Our deepest sympathies. Your father’s legacy is unmatched by any words I might say.
Thank you all for your compassionate comments. We do read them and they
provide comfort in these trying times.
John was a kind and interesting man. He found out that I had served on a nuclear submarine and was filled with questions. I really enjoyed the short time that I knew him. I am wishing God’s blessing on John and his family.
Our sympathy to John’s family. We always enjoyed his company and hearing some of his stories when our sister, Arline, encouraged him to share. He added to the fun at family gatherings and he will be missed. Our love and prayers,
Jim and Lois
To the Dangos Family,
Sorry for the delay in my response, for I worked with Jonn for a long time and thought so much of him, but at the same time my wife Gerri passed away after a long illness. I know the sorrow of losing someone so important in your life. You have my deepest sympathy for the loss of such an outstanding person. I was honored to have considered John a friend.
With sincere condolences after having been in fire together.
Regretably with great sorrow.
George Jenkerson