John C. Pape

John Carl Pape, born May 30, 1942 to Mathilda and John Pape in Baldwin, N.Y., was raised in Newberg and Lindenhurst, N.Y. He graduated from Lindenhurst High School in 1960 and went on to earn his bachelor's degree in marine engineering from the US Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point in 1964.

John sailed for three years in the Merchant Marine and spent another three years serving in the active Naval Reserve. He played the clarinet in both the Lindenhurst HS Band and the US Merchant Marine Regimental Band.

In 1966, John married Helen, "Pinky" Jungermann, and together they had three daughters. The family moved to Venice, Florida in 1978 when John worked for Merrill Lynch as a Financial Advisor. He and Pinky enjoyed a vibrant life filled with family, friends, and extensive travel. For nearly twenty years, they spent summers at their home in Brevard, North Carolina before returning full-time to Venice in 2018.

John was a proud member of the Venice Yacht Club, serving as Commodore in 1991. He was also a member of Mission Valley Country Club, where he enjoyed golf - though he valued friendships more than the score. He relished a good steak, a good scotch, and a good cigar with his pals.

A dedicated community member, John was an active Rotarian for many decades and served as a Big Brother with Big Brothers Big Sisters. He continued to nurture his love for music as a member of the Connestee Chorale in North Carolina and the Mission Valley Voices in Venice.

John was a lifelong blood donor, and in his final weeks benefited greatly from life giving blood and platelets. John passed away with grace and his signature sense of humor after a brief but devastating illness.

John is survived by his loving wife, Pinky, of 58 years; his three daughters, Heidi Gooch (Frank), Cindy Pape, and Amy Kuykendall (Todd); and his four treasured granddaughters - Anna, Sarah, Sophia, and Vivian - who will forever miss their loving "Poppy." He is also survived by his four sisters, Linda (David), Susie (Dennis), Judy (Donald), and Ingrid (Klaus); his sisters-in-law, Marilyn (Ed), Debbie (Guy), and Joanie (Mike), along with countless nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A funeral service will be held at St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Venice, Florida on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at 10:30 am.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating blood or making a memorial contribution to Sun Coast Blood Centers: https://suncoastblood.org/get-involved/donate/. Farley Funeral Home in Venice is handling the arrangements. To send a condolence or memory please visit www.farleyfuneralhome.com.