Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
John Wenckus Obituary
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Rick Smith
September 11, 2021
John, we experienced a lot together, on both a personal and professional level.
I knew that voice as soon as you would call.
I can still hear it today, 20 years later.
Rest In Peace John, you´ll never be forgotten.
Rick
Sergio Suarez
March 5, 2019
I had the honor and pleasure to have work with John at Hi-Shear in Torrance. I was a young inspector and John was a young engineer. I worked on his project and I enjoyed doing inspection on the product that he was working on. I remember that John would always make sure to say thank you when you worked with him, when you assisted him, he always showed his appreciation and always had that wonderful smile.
I learned of John being on the 9-11 flight from the news, when I saw the name I recognized that name right away and was hoping that it was not the John I knew.
Because I personally knew John and worked with John I could not believe the news, and when I heard Torrance I could only pray, for John and his family.
This year, 2019 my daughter is going to visit New York and the 9-11 Memorial is on the top of her list, she knows all about John and I working at Hi-Shear and I have asked my daughter to visit the memorial and to look up John's name and for her to say a prayer' and to pay her respect on my behalf. As a Christian I know the answer, but for us in this world, is sad that we seem to loose the good people first.
John, you will always be remembered, may the Good Lord continue to Bless your family and loved ones and one day will meet again, GOD Bless you.
Murray Ritland
September 11, 2018
Another year has flown by, but on this date we are reminded of the horrors that unfolded in front of us. John left us that day and the world is poorer for that. He was a smart, wonderful guy that enriched many lives. My prayers go out to his family.
Del Newberry
August 12, 2017
Prayers today for the friends and family of John.
How you can show support
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
John at Hi Shear
Murray Ritland
September 11, 2016
I've told the story before, of how I came to Hi Shear Technology in Torrance CA and soon met a young engineer named John Wenckus. At first, we butted heads, both of us being strong willed, alpha males. It wasn't long, though, until we were fast friends and working well together for the goals of the company. I have a tattoo memorializing John on my left arm, so I think of him very often. Great guy, gone long before his time. The photo was taken in the inspection area at Hi Shear, it was someones birthday.
Yvonne Reay
September 11, 2015
Hard to believe that it is now 14 years since 911. Today for the first time I saw the name John Joseph Wenckus, on Fox News. Never knew your middle name. Still in our hearts.
Amy Tanaka
September 12, 2014
Wanted your family to know that I thought of you yesterday and was very introspective the entire day. I will never forget.....the day or you. I hope your family is ok......as ok as one can be losing a family member prematurely.....
Yvonne Reay
September 12, 2014
John, you are in our hearts even on this 13th anniversary.
September 10, 2014
John, you'll never be forgotten. Your friend and colleague. Harry Wilmott
2 yrs after 9/11
January 5, 2014
I felt the need to sign your guest book because I am from Torrance too. Before Sept 11th, my husband, 4 year old son, 2 year old daughter and myself were booking our flights out of Massachusetts. The agent asked if we wanted to fly out of Bradley or Hartford. I, thinking "why would I want to fly out of Connecticut" said "I don't know, you pick." She said "I will put you on the later flight since you have kids, that is out of Connecticut." I thought, that's a good point, I will take it. That decision made by her, the agent saved all 4 of our lives. I would have chose flying out of Massachusetts because we were leaving from there. That morning of 9/11 we were getting ready to pack up the car and head to the airport when we were told an airplane had crashed into the world trade center. That was the flight we would have been on if I had chose where we were flying out of. I think how easily we could have been on that flight. We are so blessed to have been able to see our kids grow. I looked at the list of passengers today 1/5/14 and saw that there was someone from torrance. It really hit home. I have ignored all of the things that have to do with 9/11 for so many years so it is good finally to let out how I feel. I thank God for sparing us and in a strange way feel like John gave his life for us.
Cheryl Duddy Schoenfeld
September 11, 2013
Remembering John Wenckus on this twelfth anniversary of such a horrible event. Prayers go out to John's family and friends.
Yvonne Reay
September 11, 2013
After these passing years I still think about John. I worked with and then for him for many years. Still hard to believe.
Cathy Hallowell Weaver
September 11, 2013
To the Wenckus Family: You are all in our thoughts and prayers especially on this Sept. 11th. May you find peace in knowing that John was a wonderful person and we are glad to have known him.
Harry Wilmott
September 11, 2013
You always brightened a room when you entered,and you always left us laughing. I'm sure nothing has changed.
Murray Ritland
September 10, 2013
Twelve years ago tomorrow I went to work oblivious of the horror that would soon unfold. First, a call came in from a spouse that "a small plane had hit the Trade Center." A horrible accident, we were sure. In the next several hours, the nightmare played itself out, etching our memories with the horrible images. Just a few days later, an old friend (Harry Wilmott)called to say "John was on Flt 11." That moment I will never forget as I struggled to comprehend what I'd heard. I reflected on the five years that John and I had worked together in Torrance. Both in our mid-thirties, we were filled with energy and enthusiasm for our work on space programs. We butted heads initially, but that soon turned to friendship. Somewhere, in a box of old photos, is one of John, myself and two other friends, arm in arm on a Friday evening, having a wonderful time. Of course John flashed his trademark wide smile. That is the image that I remember. Today, I have a poorly done tattoo (was not supposed to be) depicting a tribute to Flt 93 and to John. Sadly, the carnage related to middle eastern extremists has not stopped. Tomorrow, in Riverton, WY, there will a tribute to a fallen soldier from town KIA in Afghanistan. I wish I could see an end. Those years in Torrance, CA, working with John seem so carefree right now. Maybe, if we are lucky, those days will return for our children.
Harry Wilmott
September 10, 2012
September 11. " A Day That Will Live In Infamy" said Franklin Delano Roosevelt about another terrible day. We've learned to endure the horrors that man inflicts on each other - but it's all so senseless and cruel. The best we can do is to remember the goodness that we encounter throughout our lives. John was one of the shining lights that will never be extinguished from my thoughts.
Peggy Childers
September 9, 2012
To the family and friends of John Wenckus:
John will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not allow those we lost on 9/11 be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you.
Amy Tanaka
September 11, 2011
I had the pleasure of being introduced to John through a mutual friend back east. I was sadly shocked to hear that he was on that flight and know that he will be missed by family, friends and colleagues.
September 11, 2011
No one who knew John could ever forget his sparkling personality. The shock of that demonic day will never leave me. I was privileged to know John as a colleague at Hi-Shear and along with some others we had a close bond of professional respect and personal camaraderie. A sad loss for all who knew him.
Harry Wilmott,
Santa Barbara, California
September 10, 2011
John Wenckus was a member of the Skylinks Men's Golf Club in 2001. There is a Memorial Tournament every May to remember all the members that have been called home to the Lord. Rest in Peace fellow golfer. From the Skylinks Golf Club Board of Directors.
Kathy wenckus
September 9, 2011
Dear John,
We all miss you here, and you left a huge void in everyones hearts. God is with you and you will always be with us.
God Bless and thank you for all of the laughs. Your cousin Kathy
Murray Ritland
September 11, 2009
9-11-09: A difficult day on so many levels, particularly when I reflect on my time knowing John. What a great guy, so full of life, so intelligent and so much fun to be around. The senseless nature of his passing makes the pain so much the worse, but the memory of men like John is not quickly forgotten. Rest in Peace.
September 8, 2009
Hi It has been 7 or so years since the 9/11 and every time i think of the event it brings a tear to my eye. although i never met you you looked such a happy Man who enjoyed every minute of your life.
This is Jamie Dorman,Age 14, From Scotland R.I.P
janet singh
September 12, 2007
my prayers are with this family. sorry that this happened.
P Tabbernor
June 9, 2007
In memory....
Ed Watts
August 8, 2006
I worked with John for several years as Dynamics Department Manager at NTS-LAX and then as Test Department Manager at Hi-Shear. This is the first time I have looked for him since that fateful day, and I am sorrowed to see that he is no longer with us. Godspeed, John.
Tony Hartzheim
November 27, 2005
My prayers and thoughts go out to John's family, friends and all those who went through such an unfortunate event in our lives. I worked at Hi-Shear with John, although not directly, in the mid 1980's, and received word last night from another co-worker; Murray Ritland, and we both send our heartfelt sympathy for you all. God bless you, and may John's memory be with us all.
Josephine Besso
November 11, 2003
My prayers are with all who knew
John -- When I saw the name Besso==
I just had to respond. God bless
you all-- his family and friends,
and I will light a candle for him at
St. Patrick's Cathedral when next in the city.
Josephine Besso
Mickey Trigilio
September 12, 2003
Oddly enough, I did not realize that John was on AA 11 until this week. I was about to send him a birthday card and an e-mail birthday hello, as I would do every few years, when I looked for information on his e-mail on the MIT Alumni page. That is how I discovered with sadness that we have lost him. I worked with John at Avco just after he had graduated from MIT. We became good friends, and we kept contact throughout the years. Sometimes a few years would go by before we talked, but it was always as if no time had passed. In spite of his great success, John remained the same grounded and delightful person he was when he left for California. John gave me a silver bracelet and a necklace as gifts many years ago that I have kept. I will now wear them daily to keep him close to me. I am overwhelmingly sad that he and I will not be able to talk again. I wish his family strength and comfort in knowing how much John was loved.
Marlene Coverdale
September 20, 2002
On Sunday, September 8, 2001, at All Saints Episcopal Church in Pasadena, I was given a bracelet with John's name. I keep the bracelet at my computer and continue to pray for John and for his family and friends. It has been meaningful to me to read the tributes to John and to have a closer sense of him through those who knew him.
Stephanie
September 14, 2002
I work in an urban elementary school near Philadelphia. As part our school's observance of September 11, the children mounted red, white, and blue stars onto sticks. Each star bore the name of a victim of the 9/11 attacks. The children then placed all the stars in the ground along the school driveway. As I was leaving school the next day, I noticed that some of the stars had fallen over. The star bearing John's name and picture caught my eye, so I picked it up and took it with me. I will pray for John and for all of you who knew and loved him. May God give you peace of heart.
richie patten
September 12, 2002
i just would to thank everyone from the PATTEN FAMILY
Lisa Faye Miller
September 11, 2002
I didn't know John personally, but he is part of my life. After September 11th, the people at my church were struggling with what we could do on an individual basis to help the families of those who were murdered. We decided to draw one name per person and pray for that person's family, friends and loved ones. I drew John's name, and have been praying for you all ever since. I know John is in Paradise with Jesus and our Father, but I worry about you all that are left behind. I hope my prayers can help, just a little bit. I keep John's picture on my computer monitor at work, and I will NEVER forget him, or any of the other victims of September 11th. God bless you.
Tim Otto
September 11, 2002
John and I had the opportunity to work together for about 4-5 years at Hi-Shear Technology. He was bright, capable, gregarious, and good company. He enjoyed cards, golf, pool and also immersed himself into work with great relish. In short, John loved life.
John, you're in my prayers. Our loss is heaven's gain.
May your family take comfort that you were liked by many & accomplished much while here on earth.
Cheers,
Tim
Rick Smith
September 11, 2002
Hello:
It's September 11th, 2002.
My name is Rick Smith. I am the Manager of the Dynamics Test Department at Wyle Labs in El Segundo. I started as a trainee technician in 1973, and advanced to Test Engineer by 1980.
My first test project was with a customer called "Hi-Shear". I was very nervous. Fortunately, they sent over a young ace engineer, John Wenckus, who helped me tremendously, although he was kind of a rookie with testing also.
We became friends as well as business associates, and worked many test programs together through the years. As John advanced up the ladder at Hi-Shear, I made my way up to my current position.
Anyway, I'll never forget John's voice, his smile and laughter, and his focus on the important things in life..family, friends, and enjoying every day to the fullest.
John, you'll always be a well remembered part of my life. I know we'll get together again...
Best to the family...
Rick
Jodi Anderson
September 10, 2002
May God bless you. As the first aniversary arrives tommorow, the whole country holds you in their prayers. I wear my bracelet with John's name proudly. May God rest his soul.
Cyndi Beaver
July 8, 2002
I knew John about 10 years ago. We had dated for a time and although it had been awhile since I had seen him, I was deeply touched to hear of his death. I have always had great respect for him and wonderful memories of the time we spent together. He loved great food, great wine and was incredibly generous and kind. And he could shoot a mean game of pool with my Dad. I am volunteering for the 9-11 United In Memory Quilt which is being put together out here in the west coast. My stepmom and I will be doing a square for John. It is our honor and priviledge. God Bless.
BARBARA MULLANEY
May 25, 2002
DEAR JOAN,WINK AND COUSINS
ALMOST ALMOST 7 MONTHS HAVE PASSED AND NOT A DAY GOES BY WHEN I DONT
THINK OF ALL OF YOU, GOD BLESS YOU
ALL AND I KNOW HOW MUCH YOU MUST MISS JOHN, MY PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS
ARE WITH YOU THIS MEMORIAL DAY.
GOD BLESS
BARBARA MULLANEY
May 23, 2002
GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS BEAUTIFUL YOUNG MAN..JOHN WENCKUS AND MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS HIS LOVING FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS..GOD BLESS AMERICA..NEW YORK AND THE GOOD PEOPLE OF CALIFORNIA..MAY JESUS..ST.JOHN AND ST.MARY GREET YOU AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN...MAY THE SOUL OF JOHN AND THE SOULS OF ALL THE FAITHFULLY DEPARTED THROUGH THE MERCY OF GOD REST IN PEACE AMEN.
judy wall
May 3, 2002
johs smile was golden... when he was around everyone was laughing and
carring on. we had some good times at skylinks golf course, and i will miss him dearly. judy
Lori Kipper
April 10, 2002
In remembering John I think of his great smile and how he enjoyed life. I sure have missed seeing him and his Dad at Sunset Station. So much fun was had by all when John was visiting and playing. May God Bless John and keep him, for he will forever be in the hearts of many.
Douglas Holman
April 8, 2002
John, you were a very brief yet very much treasured part of my life. I always looked forward to you and your Dad (or just you sometimes)visitng us at Sunset Station. Your positive outlook and good cheer always made my day at work a little more bearable. You are and will be greatly missed. It is almost incomprehensible that we will never get to see you again. Dad, if you read this, know that your son was loved and is missed by everyone that he touched in life, and that we miss seeing you, too.
Doug
Sheila Werland
April 2, 2002
John has a wonderful smile. I am saddened to think that the world has lost yet another person with a happy outlook on life. My prayers are with John's family, that they may soon find healing in and thru God. May the memory of his smile be like sunshine on your face again someday.
MICHAEL WATKINS
March 11, 2002
As a resident o Torance I felt a lot od sadness wen I heard the newsof John's death. Even though I never knew John it seems that in Torrance we are all like one family. This city is diversified and many kinds of people live here but John I bet was one of those people that lived here that made this city so great
Kathy Swaringen
February 27, 2002
1 mile was walked to honor the life of John & all the family, friends and loved ones he left behind. May you find some comfort in knowing that you do not greive alone.
John, you may be gone but will never be forgotten, may you rest in peace.
Gayle Sharp
February 4, 2002
Even though I did not know John, I feel much sorrow for his family and friends. I wear a M.E.R.C.Y. bracelet everyday that bears John's name. As I get ready for work each day, I put on this bracelet, and it reminds me of that tragic day, and how so many lives were lost, and how many grieving families there are. I count it a priviledge to lift John's loved ones up to our Lord everyday in prayer.
Gayle Sharp
Teresa Jahn
January 11, 2002
We are deeply sorry for your loss of John. May his life and love live on in you. May you always feel the warmth of his love surround you. Our hearts cry with you.
America Cries
We see your sorrow-
and our hearts cry....
We can not erase your pain
but you do not have to face the anguish alone-for we-
-the American people-
are beside you.
We so desperately want to have the touch that brings you comfort,
the strength that gives you courage,
and the words to lighten your spirits.
And when we are left speechless
may the silence of our nation weave love into your hearts
to ease your sorrow.
May you find healing through our nation's strength as we-
-the American people-
face this difficult time together. Our hearts are with you. Teresa Jahn
Dixon, IL
Helene Goodman
December 26, 2001
Like so many others, my heart was broken on September 11. A few weeks ago, I listened to a radio program in Los Angeles, and heard a conversation with the founder of a group who makes silver bracelets with the names of everyone who left us on September 11. I ordered one, and it arrived today bearing John's name. I am proud to wear this in his honor, and hope that those who knew him will feel a small sense of comfort in this knowledge.
Alice Wilson
October 17, 2001
John went to high school with me. I remember comparing grades with him in geometry and other math courses, and seeing him at Mass at St Mary's.
I am so sorry that John's life had to end in this senseless way.
BARBARA BOLIN
September 28, 2001
MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO YOU ALL.MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL.
JOHN MAY YOU REST IN PEACE.
Heather Parlor
September 22, 2001
My prayers go out to the family & friends of John Wenckus
As my sould takes flight to paradise
upon a snow-white dove...
I'm free to roam in my heavenly home
safe on the wings of love.
As I leave this world and fly away,
To a place where dreams come true...
My soul has found it's paradise,
But my love lives on in you.
My Deepest Sympathy
Lisa McIlrath
September 20, 2001
John, more than anything, I remember your laugh and your smile. It's been a long time since the days at the NRSA, but somehow it all seems like yesterday. You really were a great guy--always ready to organize a party (remember when you got us all to go Candlepin bowling?), always there with a comforting word and a cheery smile when someone was down. Keep close watch on your family from your new vantage point in heaven. I know they miss you.
Bill and June Foley
September 19, 2001
Dear Wink and Joan:
Our deepest sympathies to you and your family on your tragic loss.We remember John as a young boy growing up with our children.We always looked forward to hearing about his life in California and Wink's trips to visit with him.Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.Love,Bill and June Foley September 19, 2001
Olimpio DeMarco
September 19, 2001
My heart goes out to John's entire family. Although I lost touch with John over the past 20 years, I will always remember a caring, fun-loving person from our days together at MIT, the NRSA, the apartment we shared in Burlington and the clubs around Boston where John was always the first guy on the dance floor. My condolences to John's entire network of family and friends.
Dick Field, Jr.
September 19, 2001
I'm very sorry to hear about John.
I remember him from our days at
the NRSA at MIT. He always had a
smile on his face and his loud laugh
was unforgettable. He was always the one to beat at our pool table.
Very seldom did anyone do it.
Thanks for having us over to your
home in Waltham for one of John's
summer parties.
Showing 1 - 55 of 55 results
Make a Donation
in John Wenckus's name
How to support John's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor John Wenckus's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
Sponsored