John E Larkin, Jr.
1923-2012

Life long city resident John E Larkin, Jr. has died after a brief illness. He was a member of St Joseph Parish. He graduated from St Joseph elementary school and South Bend Central high school and attended Bradley University. He spent most of his working life employed in auto-related industries with significant time working at Bendix, Singer, Rommy Hammes, and Basney. John also spent a great many years working at South Bend Children's Dentistry with Dr. Michael Johns and his wife Rose. Retirement allowed him to spend more time tending his roses, spoiling his dog and taking such loving care of his wife. He also continued a lifetime of support of Notre Dame Football and Chicago Cubs Baseball. Perhaps his most notable legacy will be the joy he brought to so many family and friends each and every Christmas season putting up decorations that each year outdid the year before. He never tired of the wonder on the faces of the young and old who would come and sit to enjoy the magic of the season

It should always be remembered that when called upon, he served with distinction and bravery. On June 8, 1944 he and his band of brothers landed at Cherbourgh under intense enemy fire. Only 19 of 300 survived. For his actions in Europe he earned a purple heart and was awarded the bronze star for valor

He is preceded in death by his father, John, Sr., his mother Florence, his aunt Mayme, his sister Mary Ellen(Louis) Kubiak, his brother David and his daughter Sharon(Leedle, Philip) Wiseman. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Patricia, sons John (Carol), Joseph, Michael (Sandy), Thomas and Robert, daughters Fran (Ron) Young, Kathryn (Alexander) Wojcicki, Patricia (Leonard) Sheley, Rebecca (Timothy) Huff, Margaret and Ann Marie. He also leaves behind over 100 grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren and many friends

His hard work taught us of his expectations.
His character never allowed us to see the hardships he endured.
His honor has never been questioned.
His quiet strength protected us from all he could and gave us the knowledge
that we always had a home, a shelter from any storm.
His wisdom shows in all he did, may we all be wise enough
to recognize it and use it in ours lives now.
His humility would never allow for us to call him
the true Hero that he is.

The family wishes to extend a very sincere thank you to the staff on duty with him in the CICU of St Josephs Regional Med Center as well as The Center for Hospice who took such gentle care of John and his family.
To those who wish memorials can be sent to St Joe County Humane Society

John requested no formal services be held, but please join us for a gathering in his honor taking place on Sunday July 1, from 1pm to 4pm, at the VFW Post 9820, 4829 West Linden, South Bend. John will be forever missed by all who knew him.