John "Jack" Ehring's Obituary
EHRING,JOHN“JACK”, Palm Harbor, Fl. The world lost another World War II veteran, a member of the dwindling Greatest Generation, who broke the surly bonds of earth and entered into his heavenly reward promised to him by his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Jack’s life was the stuff of adventure novels. Jack and his family grew up in Whitestone, Queens County, New York and while Jack was still in high school his big brother Eddy joined the Navy and set sail for the Pacific Theatre of WWII. Not to be outdone, Jack quit high school, faked his date of birth so he also could join the Navy, which he in fact did, and off on a bus this city kid went to Sampson, NY for his basic training. After basic, Jack was sent to San Francisco by train, going through Chicago, where he missed the connecting train for unknown reasons, resulting in several extra weeks of KP duty; Cheyenne, Wyoming; and other splendid locations across America.
After Jack’s valiant and honorable service in the U.S. Navy, he returned to New York where he went back to high school as a non-traditional student and obtained his high school diploma. Thereafter, he went to Oneonta State College and worked as a radio operator on the railroads to pay for his education. Upon his graduation, Jack continued his travails in public service when he became a city police officer where he excelled as a patrolman and a detective. It was during this time when he spotted a young lady riding a horse at a resort and he said it was love at first sight for him. Jack and Millie got married, began their family and Jack started another new adventure as an investigator with the New York State Liquor Authority. Jack excelled with the Authority and progressed up through the rank to Chief of Investigations, Head of the Local ABC Boards, Chief Licensing Officer for NYC and ultimately he capped his career with the Authority as their Chief Administrative Law Judge. He was often teased by Millie as ‘Here comes da Judge’ in their many moments of levity. Jack loved to play all sports when he was a kid, excelling in baseball, track, football and handball, even playing semi-pro football for the Whitestone Indians. Jack was also an accomplished pool and billiard ball player, having played Willie Mosconi and other famous pool players in NYC! He was still playing pool, including making his incredible 4 rail bank-shots, until a month before his death.
Jack enjoyed his family and their 20+ year vacation ritual in the Outer Banks, NC, and traveling with his beloved wife, Millie, enjoying the beaches of Clearwater and Grand Caymans Islands and numerous golf courses where they had much fun. While Jack has big shoes to fill and was the toughest guy around, he had a gentle touch with his children, many grandchildren and his great-grandchild, all who will sorely miss his words of wisdom and encouragement. Indeed, Jack lived life on his own terms, never allowing an obstacle to deter him from his goals. This included the many woodworking projects he undertook and crafted over the years, including building 4 cradles and 4 miniature rocking chairs, from bare wood to beautiful completion, for his grandchildren.
Jack met many people of great wealth and power yet he was most happy going to his local stores and meeting and chattingwith the numerous employees that he would interact with throughout his travails in each store. It was always enjoyable to go to a Sam’s Club or a CostCo with Jack where he would converse or kid with his many friends and he took great pleasure in introducing his children and grandchildren to his new crop of friends, an incredible sight watching this 90+ year old man kidding with 20, 30 and 40 year olds and maybe even demonstrating one of his magic tricks or telling one of his voluminous jokes.
Heroes Live Forever
A simple act of bravery
A selfless single act
Become the things of legend
That all began as fact
No one wants to be a hero
The price is far too high
Most just do the basics
Trying to get by
Some will do the impossible
To change the course of fate
Making sure that someone lives
When it almost seems to late
Some may just get lucky
But most pay for their gift
And so heroes live for ever
As their stories we do lift
- Robert Longley
Jack was predeceased by his beloved wife of 60+ years, Millie; his parents, George and Margaret Ehring; his brothers, George and Edward (Connie) Ehring; his sisters, Gloria (Bob), Helen and Annette ‘Babe’ (Joseph); and his beloved grandson, Logan A. Penzabene. Jack is survived by his children Carolee (Brian) Whitman, Daniel (Jami) Ehring, Amy (Frank) Penzabene, Dr. Patricia (Dr. William) Ehring-Jarmolych and Dr. James Ryan (Sharon) and 16 grandchildren, Sean (Clorissa), Chad and Shelby Whitman; Madison and Raegan Ehring; Tanner, Zachary, Cooper Penzabene; Nicholas, Samantha, Jacqueline, Joshua and Spencer Jarmolych; and Michele and William Ryan and one great-grandchild, Flynn A. Whitman and all of his favorite nieces and nephews, you know who you all are!
Relatives and friends are invited and may visit with Jack's family on Thursday, September 8 th , from 5-7pm at Moss-Feaster Funeral Home, 1320 Main St. Dunedin, FL 34698. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, September 9 th at 10:00 A.M. in Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 4661 82nd Avenue North Pinellas Park, FL 33781. Interment will follow the Mass at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, FL.
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