Sebastian Phillip Passantino

S. P. PASSANTINO Capt., USN, (Ret.) October 29, 1930 ~ January 26, 2009 Sebastian Phillip Passantino died in his sleep while vacationing in Hawaii with his wife and daughter. He was born in Teaneck, N.J., to Nicholas and Florence Passantino. He earned a Bachelor of Science from Lehigh U. in Bethlehem, PA and a Master of Science from the U.S. Naval Post Graduate School, Monterey, CA. Sebastian served 31 years as a naval officer, retiring in 1983 as a Captain. He served aboard USS W.R. Rush (DDR-714), USS Vernon County (LST-1161), and USS Plymouth Rock (LSD-29). He next worked in the Navy's shipbuilding and ship repair programs in the U.S. and the Philippines where he was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal for performance in support of the 7th Fleet during the Vietnam War. He was the Navy Supervisor of Shipbuilding Seattle, 1977-1981. During his career the Passantino family lived in Japan, the Philippines, Virginia, California, Mississippi., and Washington. Those years were rewarding, exciting times for his wife and children. After his naval service he formed Passantino Consulting and most recently worked with Washington State Ferries System. He was a longtime member of Sand Point Community United Methodist Church where he was formerly Chairman of the Trustees He was the current President of Seattle Branch, English Speaking Union. He also belonged to Navy League and Seattle Opera Guild. He is survived by Anne, his wife of 51 years; three children; John (Carmen), Paul (Ann), Nancy (Tim) Croston and four grandchildren; John, Elizabeth, Matt and Nicholas. A memorial service will be held Saturday February 14, 2009, at 2 p.m., Sand Point Community United Methodist Church, 4710 N.E. 70th St, Seattle, WA, 98115. Burial will be at Arlington National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Sebastian's memory to the Sand Point United Methodist Church.