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John Combs Obituary
Chattanooga, TN and formerly of Binghamton: John Combs died on November 17, 2014 after an extended illness. He was predeceased by his parents, Jack and Dody Combs; paternal grandparents, Frank and Margaret Combs; maternal grandparents, Leroy and Catherine Gorman; and aunt and uncle, Joyce and Joseph Campon. He is survived by his best friend and wife of 32 years, Karin Kenville Combs; sisters, Mary (Gary) Desimone, Anne (Chris) Lane, Nancy Combs; and brother, Thomas (Christine) Combs; cousins, Michael (Rhonda) Campon, Christine (Dan) Ross, Carol Burnard, and Philip Campon; in-laws, William and Violet Kenville, William (Victoria) Kenville, Mark (Kathleen) Kenville, and Kristeen (Michael) Hickey; also nieces and nephews, Jim (Kate) Desimone, Katie Desimone, Sarah (Nick) Liebenrood, Christopher Lane II, Colette Clark, Abigail Combs, Lily Combs, Shane (Emily) Johnson, Faith Kenville, Ryan Kenville, Patrick Kenville, Maura (Grazi) Zazzara, Clare Kenville, Kelly (Matt) Lilly, Michael (Beth) Hickey, Jr., Sean Hickey, Shannon Hickey, Kate Hickey; and eight great nieces and nephews. John graduated from Binghamton Central High School, Broome Community College, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry and Syracuse University. After college, John was employed at Delta Engineers for 13 years, then moved to Durham, NC where he worked for Horvath Associates Civil Engineers for six years in the Durham office becoming partner, then moved to Chattanooga, TN where he ran the Chattanooga office for Horvath Associates until his death. John held professional engineering licenses in several states. John enjoyed all things relative to food and drink, became an accomplished home brewer of beer, and enjoyed annual visits with Karin to the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival. John enjoyed playing golf, but then discovered boating after the move to Chattanooga, and spent nearly every weekend on the lake with the "boat people." However John's greatest passion was lacrosse, which he played well into his 50s until five broken ribs forced his retirement. He played with the Binghamton Salukis and the Philadelphia Eagles/Gray Eagles in Binghamton, Ft. Lauderdale, and Lake Placid tournaments. Forced to become a spectator, he enjoyed watching his nieces and nephews continue the tradition of the game he loved. We would like to thank all our friends and family for supporting us through this journey. Your support, thoughts and prayers have been very much appreciated. Special thanks go out to Dr. Davey Daniel and all the staff at TN Oncology, Chattanooga, especially the treatment room nurses who are incredibly special people. John enjoyed being your "Cookie Monster." And thank you to Hospice of Chattanooga for guidance through the final days. A Funeral Mass will be offered at the Church of Saints John and Andrew, Vestal Avenue, Binghamton Monday at 10 a.m. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Johnson City. The family will receive friends at the J.A. McCormack Sons Funeral Home, 141 Main Street, Binghamton Sunday from 3-6 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Cancer Society, 13 Beech Street, Johnson City, NY 13790 or a Hope Lodge or a youth lacrosse association.
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Memories and Condolences
for John Combs
Nancy Donohoo
November 16, 2019
What a terrific guy!!! His "bar tending" at a brunch given for my daughter by John and Karin and friends when she got married will forever be a special memory for me. He and Karin were very dear to me and we all miss John every day!!! my love....
Sherri Flippo
November 26, 2014
We miss you John!! You were a great friend and we will always love you........Tracy and Sherrill
Ruth (Butler) Ferron
November 26, 2014
Karin, Anne, Nancy and Combs Family; Thoughts are with you during this difficult time. John was a wonderful part of the Southside Family. May he rest in the palm of God's hands. Love & God Bless, Ruth (Butler) Ferron
Meg Catanzarita
November 25, 2014
Dear Karin and all the Combs' family and Kenville families,
All the Catanzaritas and Westfalls send you our deepest condolences on the passing of John. Mark and Kathleen have been keeping us updated on the joys and struggles of the past year. In reading the other entires here, it is clear John left a permanent mark on all he encountered. We are so sorry Karin you will not have your life love to walk with. I know there is nothing to say to make it better. We will carry you in our prayers on days you feel like resting and celebrate you and John and the great love you found in each other! May God hold you in the pam of his hand. Sincerely, Meg Westfall Catanzarita
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Paul Moorman
November 25, 2014
Anne, Chris & family; Steph and I pass on our sincere condolences at this sad time.
Toni & Brad LaSorte
November 25, 2014
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless.
Tom Esworthy
November 25, 2014
Dear Karin and Combs Family, Very sorry to hear of John's passing.
May the Road Rise to meet you, may the wind be always at your back, may the sun shine warm upon your face, the rain fall soft upon your fields, and until we meet again, may God hold you in the hollow of His hand.
God's Blessings, Ezzy & Winnie
Patty King
November 24, 2014
Karin and family,
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of John. I have fond memories of him. He was a great guy. I hope all your memories of him give you comfort durning this time. God bless
Patty O'Rourke King
Mark Clark
November 24, 2014
Farewell to my 'first friend' Dear Karin, the entire Combs and Kenville families, we truly lost a wonderful treasure and person in John much to soon. May you all find peace, solace and faith knowing he'll surely be missed by many. My memories of a remarkable person will live on as surely as yours will with John in our hearts and minds. God bless and God speed...yours in friendship and love!
Jim Mulvey
November 24, 2014
I just want to say how sorry I am about John. I was his teammate on Philly Masters and Grey Eagles and truly enjoyed playing with him. I hope that the love and friendship he spread comes back to you many times over. I will keep him in my prayers.
November 24, 2014
Our hearts break for you, Karin. John was a wonderful man who made you so very happy and thus, made us happy. He will be missed by your Chattanooga friends who are here for you in every way when yoou return.
Ellen and Lloyd Martin
Ellen Phillips
November 24, 2014
Karin,
What an unbelievable love and relationship you and John shared - not just husband and wife but also best friends. Most people can only wish they have/had a part of this kind of marriage. I know he hung on as long as he did for *your* sake.
While your friends and other family members are here in support for you, that great love and your beautiful memories of John is the true sustaining force for both now and forever.
Frank Muscatello
November 24, 2014
Karin, Mary, Anne, Nancy and Tom,
We were very sorry to hear the news of John's passing. I have fond memories of John, and all of the Combs from my days growing up on the Southside.
Karin, we know how incredibly difficult this must be for you and pray that God grant you strength and courage to help you through this very sad and painful time.
With love and deepest sympathy,
Frank and Margaret Muscatello and family
Nancy and Bill Donohoo
November 24, 2014
John will always be in our hearts and remembered as the sweetest man in Chattanooga! We will miss him.
Ray De Angelo
November 24, 2014
My condolence to the Combs family
November 24, 2014
To all the Combs
My deepest sympathies at John's passing-he is at peace now and he will make a wonderful angel. So sorry I could not make the services but will be sure to visit him my next trip home.
Love and prayers to you all
Deb Decker
November 24, 2014
It was very heartbreaking to hear of John's passing. My thoughts are with all of the Combs Family.
Love, Shannon Giblin-Kilmer
November 24, 2014
Mary, Gary and the Combs family. Our deepest sympathy goes out to you. May God Bless you all at this very difficult time. Jack & Becky Diffendorf
margaret hardy
November 24, 2014
To The Combs family,
We are all so sorry for your loss. You will all be in our prayers. Rest in peace John.
The Hardy family
November 24, 2014
Dear Karin and Combs Family,
I was so sad when I learned of John's death. He was such a special person whom so many people loved, especially his father, Jack, who I still miss.
I am so blessed to have known the Combs and Kenville families and I send my sympathy, love and prayers to you all.
Gwynne Troy
November 24, 2014
Dear Karin and Combs Family,
I was so sad when I learned of John's death. He was such a special person and loved by so many...especially his father, Jack, whom I still miss.
I feel very blessed to have known your family and my love and prayers are with you all.
Linda Foltyn
November 23, 2014
I was saddened to hear about John's passing. We worked together at Adams Engineers (aka Delta Engineers) for approximately 9 years, 25 years ago. It felt like our small group was like a family, and that work was made easy with daily doses of joking, practical jokes for people who dared to take time off of work, and on Friday mornings, requoting the previous nights lines from the program Cheers. That was John's gift, easy going, quick witted, warm and he made you feel like you were part of his family.
Mary Madigan
November 23, 2014
To the Combs and Kenville Families,
I am so very sorry about your loss and that I am not home to attend the funeral. I know it will be a beautiful celebration of John's wonderful life.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you!
Love,
Mary Madigan
November 23, 2014
Karin, John was such a gentleman and dear friend. You two always hosted the wonderful Durham parties and tailgate events. Even though we live miles apart, you two have always been in my thoughts. Love to you during this very sad time. I will call soon. Rest dear friend.
Ellen O'Neil
November 23, 2014
I send my sympathy to the Combs family on the los of a wonderful man.
Bob & Sue Pastor
November 23, 2014
We are very sorry to hear of John's passing. Please know you are all in our thoughts during this sad time.
MaryAnne Ruspantini
November 23, 2014
So very sorry for your loss. Your old neighbors from Mill St The Ruspantini"s
Mike & Amy Skinner
November 23, 2014
Tom and the Combs Family,
We are very sorry for your loss and our thoughts and pryers are with you during this difficult time.
Victoria Kenville
November 23, 2014
Karin,few people have what you and John had.It breaks my heart that you were cheated out of growing old together.John was an awesome brother in law.Thanks for being my outlaw buddy John,I will miss you dearly.. "Wictoria"
Frank Bertoni
November 23, 2014
Your family is in my prayers as you go through this most difficult time.
Tim Groover
November 22, 2014
Karin, I'm so very sorry to hear of your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Danny Gallagher
November 22, 2014
My Dear Karin,
All of the Gallagher's share in your sadness of losing John.
As I told you Tuesday, I am heartbroken for you. You took such good care of John. John was truly "one of the good guy's!" Warm, kind, funny!!!, great smile, huge heart, never one to say a bad word about someone. A peach of a guy!!! You were a perfect match for one another...a true couple! Know that my life long friend has my love, support and prayers at this time...Love you Karin!
Danny
Tim Sivers
November 22, 2014
Karin,
John was very special to all of us at the office and he will be greatly missed. This Guiness is for you John!
Jeff Hoefer
November 22, 2014
So sorry to hear of his passing. I remember him from the highschool days being such a great friend. My thoughts to his family and friends.
Michael Kelly
November 22, 2014
Karin, Tom, and the Combs family; Condolences to you and yours in these most trying times. My thoughts and prayers go out to you.
John Cronin
November 22, 2014
Very sorry to hear about the loss of Johnny Combs. He was a wonderful guy who I had the pleasure of knowing for many years. So long "Combsie", and may God bless you and all your family.
Denise LaSorte
November 22, 2014
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Fr. Tom Ryan
November 22, 2014
Karin & Family,
My sincere condolences at the death of John. He certainly has left a wonderful legacy and memories to cherish. Please know of my prayers during this difficult time. May your faith bring a sense of hope and consolation.
Karen & Lyle Bensen & Family
November 22, 2014
Karin,Combs,& Kenville families,our sympathies to all for the loss of John. May you all have joy and fond memories of having him in your life. Our prayers to all.
Geri and Joe Gilmore
November 22, 2014
Karin, Mary, Anne, Nancy and Tom, we are so sorry for your loss. Our love and prayers are with you all.
Tyrone Smith
November 22, 2014
I am so sorry for your lose. May GOD BLESS you all. Tyrone Smith and Family
DD Pasquale Koch
November 22, 2014
Dear Family,
What a great person. John was always so kind and always took time time to make you feel so important. I am so happy to have know him as a south sider and schoolmate. My husband worked with him bar tending for several events at the Fountain's Pavillion and Banquet Masters. I love how I am reminded of your great family each day as I have Jack in my classroom. Your Faith will carry you. May God Bless you all. Xo
November 21, 2014
We were blessed to meet John & Karin as the "boat people " and were "slip neighbors. We had never met a couple so devoted to one another. We will always treasure the times we had together. John didn't speak of his faith but lived it - by always putting his friends first. If you asked him, "what do you need ? He would always reply, " i need to be younger"! I always loved the way he teased us about our southern accents! He will always be my huuuuuny! We will be there for Karin in honor of John! Love, ann & glenn
Tim Merriam
November 21, 2014
Karin and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I hope you can remember the good times during this difficult time. And those memories will comfort you. My prayers go out to you, May John Rest in Peace.
Rick Cheslo
November 21, 2014
Tom and Family - I am saddened to hear of John's passing. My prayers and thoughts are with you all.
Marty Fox
November 21, 2014
Karin & the Combs & Kenville families -- My sincere sympathy to all of you on John's passing. He and I go back 50+ years, and he was a remarkable guy. I hadn't seen him in years, but was happy to catch up a couple of summers ago. May he rest in peace.
Judy and Drew Colman
November 21, 2014
Dear Combs and Kenville families,
We are so sorry and sad to hear about John. We have such fond memories of him. We hope that you find comfort in remembering the good times and the celebration of his life and love in all of you. May he rest in peace.
Our deepest sympathy to you all,
Timmy O
November 21, 2014
Karin, Tom, Mary, Nancy and Ann. The O's are very sorry for your loss. He was a great man, I will never forget the many years of memories from Mill St. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Angel Z
November 21, 2014
Violet and family,
So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. May God heal your hearts with His love and comfort.
Love, Angel
St. Thomas Aquinas church
Karen Salva Grawe
November 21, 2014
Nancy and family,
Very sorry to hear of John's passing. My condolences to you and your family.
Christine Feheley
November 21, 2014
Nancy and family,
I'm so sorry for your loss. Sending prayers.
Jonah Jansen and family
November 21, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Combs family
Tom Desimone
November 21, 2014
my sorrow goes out to the Combs family
on your loss
sincerely Tom Desimone
Ted & Annette Cook
November 21, 2014
Anne and family, we are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time. We Love You All.
Carol Furch Walden
November 21, 2014
Anne,my heart aches for the loss of your brother.
William Yeager
November 21, 2014
Mary, Ann, Nancy and all. I am so sorry and saddened to here of your loss.John was one of my best friends through Central and BCC and one the kindest people I've ever known. His warmth and smile will be missed but the beautiful memories live on. Thank you, John, and rest well.
Love, "Yeags"
Sylvia Green
November 21, 2014
Mary, I am so very sorry to hear of the passing of your brother. He sounds like a great guy. Please know that I am holding you in a hug and in my prayers.
Kathy Yannuzzi
November 21, 2014
Karin,
There are truly no words. I have such wonderful memories of all the times we've spent together - the drinks and laughs we've shared. John was a very special man - he followed his own path and lived this final stage with such dignity, courage, and grace. You were the love of his life and the two of you had a closeness that most people can only dream about.
I feel blessed to have known him as I did and to have been a part of both of your lives. He will be so deeply missed by so many - he'll never be forgotten.
Much love to you Karin - you too are an amazing person.
David Topian
November 21, 2014
Karin, my deepest heartfelt sympathy to you and your family on the loss of John. I was honored to have known him for several years by our annual golf trip and was further graced by being able to room with him. I was fortunate in 2014 to have the same occur and I feel blessed for this. His character, determination, attitude and faith are still are in the forefront of my memory from our discussions. May God help you through this time of sorrow with the loving memories you have of such a great man, husband and friend. I am so so sorry.
John Fitzgerald
November 21, 2014
Karin and the Combs family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time. Whether playing poker or having a beer and the Pine, I can not remember a time that he didn't have a smile on his face. He was a good man and I'm very sorry for your loss.
November 21, 2014
Karin and the Combs family,
So sorry to see this about Johnny. I remember him as the nicest guy. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Anne Giblin Kemp
Julie O'Neill Cusmano
November 21, 2014
Anne and the entire Combs family: I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
John Paddock
November 21, 2014
Karin, Tom and the Combs family, I was very sorry to hear about the loss of John. He was a great guy; we had a lot of good times together, the Pine and especially during the TIT basketball and golf outings.
You and your family are in our prayers
Sincerely,
JP
Sonya & Tim Guffey
November 21, 2014
Love to you Karin. I hope, in time, good memories will comfort you. John was an incredible man and he will be missed dearly!
John and Colleen Paddock
November 21, 2014
Karin, We are so saddened by your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
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