Obituary
John Fred Morales, a retired Master Sergeant of Clermont, Florida, passed away August 15th, 2023, at the age of 78. With a distinguished military career spanning over 20 years in the United States Air Force. He leaves behind a legacy of dedicated service and unwavering commitment to his country and will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Born on October 9, 1944, in Aibonito, Puerto Rico, the son of Fred Morales and Margarita Arreche. He grew up in the vibrant neighborhood of the Bronx, New York, spending time at Kennedy Home and graduated from St. Helena High School in 1962, laying the foundation for a life of purpose and service.
At the age of 18, he embarked on his military journey by joining the United States Air Force as a Security Policeman in April 1963.
Throughout his career, John was stationed at various bases across the United States and abroad, leaving an enduring mark wherever he went. He began his military service at Tyndall AB, Florida, and Amarillo AFB, Texas, before finding the love of his life, marrying Rosemary Lynn Bushman at Glasgow AFB, Montana with whom he would build a beautiful family and embark on a remarkable adventure together.
As his career progressed, John transitioned from security forces to recreation services, demonstrating his versatility and passion for supporting the well-being of his fellow service members. He spent time at Anderson Air Base, Guam, followed by assignments at Beale AFB, California, and a short tour at Shemya AFB, Alaska. From there, his military journey took him back to his home state of New York, where he was stationed at Saratoga Springs. He then returned to Montana, this time at Malmstrom AFB. Seeking new adventures, he took his family overseas to San Vito Air Station in Brindisi, Italy. From there, his dedication and professionalism propelled him through the ranks and was selected to serve with the inspector general at the Chidlaw Building in Colorado Springs and Peterson AB, Colorado. His final overseas assignment brought him and his family to Incirlik Air Base in Türkiye before a well-deserved retirement at Patrick AFB, Florida.
Throughout his military career, John received numerous decorations and honors for his exceptional service. Among his accolades are the Meritorious Service Medal with two Oak leaf clusters, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, and the Air Force Commendation Medal with two Oak leaf clusters.
Beyond his military achievements, John was a sports enthusiast and an avid fisherman. He shared his passion by serving as the Little League Commissioner of Baseball in both Colorado Springs and Incirlik Air Base leaving a positive impact on the lives of young athletes. He found joy in card games like gin rummy, poker, and pinochle. His love for music and dancing was infectious, spreading laughter and smiles wherever he went.
John was preceded in death by his parents, John Fred and Margarita Morales, his brother Edward Morales, and his sister Margaret Morales. He is survived by his devoted wife of 56 years, Rosemary, who stood by his side through every chapter of their lives. His sisters, Jacinta “Jenny” Padian (Jerry) and Yolanda Rodriguez (Salvador), his daughter Maria Theresa Buzzelli (Donald) of Clermont, Florida, and his sons John Paul Morales (Gabriele) of Jacksonville, Florida, and Edward Michael Morales (Jonathan) of Saginaw, Michigan. Grandchildren Robert Parliament of New Jersey, Michelle Bowers of Jacksonville, Florida and Jonathan Adair of Melbourne, Florida.
In remembrance, the family kindly requests in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a local animal shelter of your choosing, reflecting his compassion and love for animals.
Memories from Conrad:
Fishing in Sanibel – John took us to the pier in Sanibel to fish. While we were there, a pelican grabbed a fish off of another angler’s line and became ensnared. John helped rescue the bird by extracting the hook from the bird’s gular. Everyone on the pier cheered once the bird was freed.
Low-rider tour of Las Vegas: When Christian and I drove together to Los Angeles after Christian graduated from college, we stayed with Johnnie and Rosie for a few days at the end of our tour of the southwestern national parks. He wanted to show us “his” Las Vegas and, dressed in shorts and flip-flops, proceeded to take us to the fanciest casinos in town. John knew all the angles. He and Ed took us to a (free) wine tasting in a corner of the Cosmopolitan, cheap but delicious pizza in the employee cafeteria at the Bellagio, demonstrated his skill at roulette (winning $100) while Christian looked on in horror as another guy at the table lost $10K in about 5 minutes. Afterwards, on the way out, down a dark hallway, Johnnie spotted a man wearing a black suit with an earpiece, exchanged a few words with him in Spanish, and waved us through the door he was guarding. We were ushered into a private bar that looked out on the famous Bellagio fountain. Every table had a little sign on it saying “reserved”. At midnight, John told us, this bar would be full of whales. But at 4 p.m., the place was completely empty, so John took us to the best table and ordered a bucket of tall neck beers on ice. We drank them watching the fountain show while listening to Frank Sinatra’s “Luck be a Lady”. That night, he, Rosie, and Ed took us to the Italian-American club, a relic of Las Vegas’ mobster past complete with a maître d’ who exclaimed “my friend Giovanni!” when he saw Johnnie. It was some of the best Italian food we’d ever eaten. After we were finished eating, the Maitre d’ gave us a free round of chilled lemoncello shots. Johnnie really knew how to show us a great time!
A few years later, Johnnie and Rosie hosted me and Christian for Thanksgiving when we flew to Vegas to see a couple of North Carolina Tar Heel basketball games. Again, John made us feel at home host preparing an amazing turkey with all the fixin’s. But he may have demonstrated his highest culinary skill in making us delicious bacon and scrambled eggs (very much like Nannie’s – cooked very slowly to perfection) each morning. He regaled us with stories of his youth and adventures around the world in the military, and showed us his collection of memorabilia including some personal affects. We had a great time, redoubt these stories frequently, and remember Uncle Johnnie very fondly.
Left to right: Conrad Schneider, Jerry Padian, Uncle Johnny and Tony Bolzan. This great photo of "The Guys" and their cigars was taken during a family vacation to Sanibel Island. Uncle Johnny always brought the party! If he was there, you know there would be games, laughter and fun.
He's been my trusted confidant, my fishing buddy, my golf partner, and the one I'd indulge in a buffet of adventures with. His absence leaves a void that cannot be filled but his legacy will live on in the cherished memories we've built together.
He taught me the past offers us lessons, the present opportunities, and the future the fruit of our choices.
Thank you for your wisdom Dad. You are in harmony with your loved ones and may you forever be at peace.
John was best man at my wedding. What a great guy, he will be missed!
Dinner at Morales condo in Las Vegas NV.