In loving memory of John "Jack" Greenwood Jr

Obituary

On Tuesday, March 9, 2021, John “Jack” Greenwood, Jr. passed away peacefully at the age of 84.

Jack was born on December 2, 1936, to John W. Greenwood, Sr. and Katherine Wendt Greenwood, who preceded him in death. The oldest of five children, Jack was Brooklyn born and raised in Gerritsen Beach, NY, and faithfully served in the US Navy. Jack also bravely served as a NYC Fireman in Coney Island with Engine 318 alongside the men of Ladder 166, for 26 years. He relocated to New Smyrna Beach, FL in 1981, shortly after his retirement. He proudly flew a US flag outside his front door, which now stands at half-mast to honor a loyal American and an outstanding man, son, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend to all.

His two children survive Jack: his son, Sean W. Greenwood of Avon-by-the-Sea, NJ, who lovingly referred to Jack as his “Pop,” and his daughter, Teri LaLima, and husband, Peter LaLima, of Colts Neck, NJ. Jack leaves behind his three beloved grandchildren, whom he was incredibly proud of, Keira Greenwood, Lucas LaLima, and Colton LaLima. His brother, Tom Greenwood, predeceased him. Surviving is his sister, Kathy Grosch, brothers Bill Greenwood and Paul Greenwood, including many loving cousins, nieces, and nephews. Jack is also survived by his lifelong and loyal friends, Paul McDermott and Frank Solimeno, who adored their “Jackie” as he did with them. Also surviving Jack is Barbara McDermott-Halgren, whom he considered his honorary daughter.

To all, Jack was fondly known as a “true gentleman” for his kind-hearted and respectful nature. He was admired for his strength, humility, self-sacrifice, hard work, and patriotism. Jack never complained and truly embodied the characteristics that define the Greatest Generation ever to live. Daily, you could find Jack, the “Mayor of Beacon,” borrowing a neighbor’s newspaper before carefully returning it and driving around the block to chat with others. He loved watching The Price is Right, Jeopardy!, and Wheel of Fortune.

Jack was also affectionately referred to as “Jack the Junkman.” He had a unique gift of discovering treasures among heaps of what others considered to be trash. Jack was exceptionally sentimental and saved mementos over the years that celebrated milestones in the lives of his children, grandchildren, family, and friends. He never missed a birthday or holiday, and his cards often included crisp two-dollar bills, which will be forever cherished. He also leaves behind beautifully preserved pictures and other items from his time served in the US Navy and with the FDNY for family and friends to forever appreciate.

A funeral mass will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Jack’s honor to the Wounded Warrior Project or the FDNY Foundation.