John Weatherwax

John Alfred Weatherwax, 78, of Orlando, Florida, passed away in his home on January 19, 2023.

John was the fourth child of Beatrice and Roy Weatherwax and was born on June 24, 1944 in Rainier, Washington. After he graduated from Rainier High School in 1962, he earned an Associates Degree from Columbia College.

John met his wife, Nancy (Austin) Weatherwax at The Fox & Hound Wood Grill & Tavern in Quincy, Massachusetts. John and Nancy were married on May 2, 1968 and admirably raised two children, Ronald Weatherwax and Lisa (Weatherwax) Suggs.

Senior Chief Weatherwax served an honorable and distinguished career with the United States Navy. He served his country for 24 years as a Senior Chief Torpedo Man, Submarine-Qualified TMCS (SS) and served on the U.S.S. Whale, U.S.S. Pickeral, U.S.S. Sunfish, U.S.S Sargo, and U.S.S Sturgeon. For a time, John was stationed at the MK-48 Intermediate Repair Facility in Hawaii where he performed maintenance and repair on the MK-48 Warshot and Exercise Torpedoes.

Senior Chief Weatherwax was selected to attend the Gould and Westinghouse Factory Training Program for the newly developed MK-48 Torpedo. Upon completion and graduation, John was stationed at the Naval Training Center in Orlando, Service School Command, and was certified as a Master Training Specialist. He conducted instruction and training on torpedo maintenance, philosophy, logistics support, and workload planning regarding both the MK-48 Torpedo and the MK-48 ADCAP Torpedo.

During his service, Senior Chief Weatherwax was renowned for his loyalty, integrity, and staunch patriotism. After honorably retiring from the United States Navy in 1985, John worked at the United States Postal Service as a Mail Handler and was passionate about serving his community and being a dear friend to all.

After retiring from the Post Office, John spent his time traveling the world, studying genealogy, trying his hand at the lottery and scratch-offs, enjoying family outings, and petting every dog in sight with Nancy, his loving wife of 54 years. He was best known for his fabulous prime rib, generous demeanor, and love of life.

In his spare time, John was a Master Mason (member #1) at the Lake Eola Masonic Lodge, in Orlando. He was also a proud member of the Sons of the American Revolution. John was passionate regarding several causes including St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, the Humane Society and the American Veterans among many others.

John was predeceased by his father Roy Weatherwax, mother and stepfather Beatrice and Woodrow "Bus" Kern together with his siblings LeClaire (Weatherwax) Oana, Harry "Cappie" Weatherwax, Edna (Weatherwax) Burger, and Don Warner as well as his beloved Uncle "Ed" Wendler.

He is survived by his wife Nancy Weatherwax, his children Ronald (Erin) Weatherwax and Lisa (Joseph) Suggs as well as his five grandchildren, Alex (Christen) Weatherwax, Leah Weatherwax (Daniel Anway), Samuel Weatherwax, Sidney Suggs, and Caroline "CJ" Suggs. John also leaves his siblings, James "Jim" (Jo Ann) Weatherwax, Kathleen (Ralph) Warner, Irene "Peanie" Warner, brother-in-law Emil Oana, along with his cherished Aunt Sybil Wendler and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Services will be held at Carey Hand Colonial Funeral Home (located at 2811 Curry Ford Road, Orlando, Florida) on Saturday, January 28, 2023 at 12:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Jude’s Children's Research Hospital or The Wounded Warrior Project, two organizations John felt strongly about and supported frequently.