DELAVAN – John Michael Damore, age 76, of Delavan passed into Heaven on Tuesday, September 25, 2018 at Aurora Memorial Hospital of Burlington. He was born in Chicago on October 27, 1941 to Nicholas and Mary (O’Neill) Damore. His family moved to Elmhurst, IL where he spent his childhood and school years and where he met his wife Karen. John was united in marriage to Karen Reierson on January 16, 1959 in Wheaton, IL. John lived his life full of generosity and a desire to help others. John joined the U.S. Army in 1960 and was sent to Communications School. John’s 1st tour of duty was on the communications staff at the White House under President Kennedy. He got to know the President and First Lady and for several years after JFK’s assassination, Jackie Kennedy sent Christmas cards to John and Karen. After the Army, John returned briefly to civilian life, working for the state of Illinois. He missed military service and joined the Navy. His career soared with many awards including commendation for Best Recruiter in the Navy. He and his wife retired to Florida where John stayed active with volunteering at the Lake County Sheriff’s Dept. He also worked personally with the Governor of Florida where he started the Florida Seniors Against Crime Office. John has lifelong friends who love and respect him. His family has love and memories that will last a lifetime. He was a member of the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, and White House Retired Communications Association.
John is survived by his wife of 59 years, Karen; three daughters, Kris Johnson, of Delavan, Belinda (Russ) Snopek, of Elkhorn, an Deborah Sweet, of GA; eight grandchildren, Derek, Trevor, Stacey, Russell, Nicole, Ashliegh, Brittney, and Erika; six great grandchildren, Brayden, Kaylie, Brooklyn, Richie, Haley, and Bryce; and a sister, Marilyn Damore.
John is preceded in death by his parents; a son, John Damore Jr.; and a brother, Nick Damore Jr.
A Private Family Burial with full Military Honors will take place at Roselawn Memory Gardens in Lake Geneva.He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and brother and will be loved and missed beyond words.
