of Edgewater, Fla., passed away Friday June 17, 2016 in the home he built, surrounded by his family. He was born in East St. Louis, Illinois to John & Marie Wojtczuk.
He is survived by wife Elizabeth “Betty” Valentine (nee Feltmann); 2 sons William Valentine & John Chris (Stacey) Valentine, 1 daughter Jennifer (Eric) Valentine Gavin, grandchildren Mariah, Kara, Riley, Jamieson, Addison & sister Lucia Maxfield.
John graduated from East St. Louis High School (Class of 1961). He proudly served his country with 2 tours in Vietnam as a US Marine (CPL) & was a member of the VFW local 4250. Studying electrical engineering at SIU-Edwardsville in Illinois, he began his career at Sunline Candy Company (St. Louis, MO) and went on to join the Aerospace Industry supporting the space shuttle and unmanned rocket launch programs at Cape Canaveral & Kennedy Space Center. He retired in 2003.
Services: Funeral from KUTIS AFFTON Chapel 10151 Gravois Friday June 24, 9:45 am to Seven Holy Founders Catholic Church for 10:00 AM mass. Interment Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers please make donations in memory of John to the charities he supported: USMC Toys for Tots (online), the Make A Wish Foundation (online) or Halifax Health Hospice, 3800 Woodbriar Trail, Port Orange, FL. 32129.
Visitation Thursday, 4-8 p.m.