Obituary
It is with profound sadness that the family of John Woodrow Datz announce his peaceful passing on June 28th at the age of 84 years. John was serenely surrounded by his family at home, including his wife of 60 years, Frances Datz. John is survived by his five children, Christine, Elisa, Jon, Denise and Geralyn, and his five grandchildren, Leigh Ann, Lilly, Rose, Cortez and Jakson.
John was a decorated veteran, served in the Army in Viet Nam and was a recipient of a Purple Heart. He volunteered at the VA for many years and helped other disabled veterans. He retired from Grumman Aerospace in Bethpage, NY. John was a native of Long Island and was a long-time resident of Centerport, NY and moved to Orlando in 2008.
Known for his sense of humor, John lived life fully, every day, in spite of health issues and often encouraged others to do the same. He was a bright, inquisitive and compassionate man who made friends easily and made everyone feel special. He gave freely of his time and supported multiple causes, both community and spiritually based.
John loved running, backpacking and beer making. He was an excellent gardener and loved the outdoors. He and his wife, Frances, traveled extensively including to Russia, Iceland, Alaska and Hungary. He enjoyed spending time with family and was loved and respected by many.
A memorial service will be held in the near future with family and dear friends.
Memorial Donations can be made to Disabled American Veterans (dav.org) in lieu of flowers. Donations can also be mailed in his name to Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301.
It has been said here that John has influenced another to be a "better husband and father", a statement readily applicable, appropriate and definitive. I would add to that all of us that shared his company or table could not be underwhelmed at his disposition or demeanor, the stealthy calmness of his presence.
He was a devoted father and family man, above censure or rebuke. I was blessed that he was always there for my sister and I never had to worry for her. It is the true measure of the man that loves your family as his own, and leaves you with the calmness and knowledge that he's got this.
I will miss telling him long disjointed stories he always stoicly sat through. I will miss his presence at our family reunions, gatherings. I love you John, Godspeed. It's a pretty safe bet we're not headed to the same place, so leave the backdoor cracked for me, as I know you would.
That dance was the one time in my entire life that I felt effortless on the dance floor. It was like some fantasy movie where I was floating and turning and feeling the rhythm of the music fill my body.
That day you gave me two gifts: A beautiful sensory memory that I will have for the rest of my life and the ability to trust those with an honest, loving and true heart.
All my love to you on your journey to heaven.
You and Gene were like older brothers to me. I learned how to be a better husband , father and overall person from spending time with you. Thank you for your constant example of how to love family, and care for and respect others. I was blessed to have you in my life and am a better person for it. You are missed already.