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JOHN POLHEMUS Obituary
JOHN WARD POLHEMUS passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on July 8, 2013, of cancer. He was born February 2, 1944, in Paterson, NJ. An Eagle Scout, John grew up in Glen Rock and Wayne, NJ, graduated from Wayne High School, went to Milwaukee School of Engineering before transferring to Temple University, graduating with a degree in mechanical engineering. John enlisted in the United States Army Reserve and later joined his father's company W.W. Polhemus, Inc., a plumbing company in Paterson, NJ. He moved his family to Florida in 1976 where he started P.W. & Sons, Inc., a plumbing and underground utilities company before starting John W. Polhemus, Inc., a fire protection company in 1989. He served on the licensing board of Martin County for 18 years. He was also a member of the American Fire Sprinkler Association where he served as Chairman and Legislative Chairman for many years. John's passion and love of fishing and boating in Stuart, the Bahamas, and the Florida Keys led him to join the Stuart Corinthian Yacht Club where he shared many good times and was looking forward to many more. He leaves behind his wife of 45 years, Diane; his three children, daughter Kimashley, sons, Bryan and wife Kari, Jonathan and wife Zusanne, including his grandchildren Trey, Noah, Ella, Ashleigh and Andrew Polhemus; along with many family members and friends, and his faithful canine companion, Sawyer. The visitation will be held Sunday, July 14th from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm at Aycock Funeral Home, 950 NE Jensen Beach Boulevard in Jensen Beach, FL 34957. A mass will be held on Monday, July 15th at 10:00 am at Saint Joseph Catholic Church, 1200 SE 10th Street, Stuart, FL 34996. A Celebration of His Life will immediately follow at the Stuart Corinthian Yacht Club, 4725 SE Capstan Avenue, Stuart, FL 34996. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Saint Joseph Catholic Church, 1200 SE 10th Street, Stuart, FL 34996, Florida Oceanographic Institute, www.floridaocean.org or the Rivers Coalition, www.riverscoalition.org. Please sign the online guest book for John at www.aycockjensenbeach.com . Arrangements entrusted to Aycock Funeral Home, Jensen Beach, Florida. Paid Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for JOHN POLHEMUS
February 10, 2014
Dear Dianne, I was so very sorry to hear about John's passing. John was larger than life and had such a zest for life. It was only yesterday that I learned of this through my son Kurt. Although it has been many years since we have seen each other, I will always remember the wonderful times we had together in Fayson Lakes, NJ. Deb Lundberg Warfield
Kurt Lundberg
February 8, 2014
I was doing an internet search on people from the old Fayson Lakes neighborhood and came across this tragic news. I'm so sorry. I remember him as a wonderful, friendly, and easygoing guy. My father enjoyed his company immensely. My condolences to you all.
Merri Ruth Hollingsworth
January 3, 2014
Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal. I thought of you today, but that is nothing new. I thought about you yesterday and months and years before that too. I think of you in silence and I often speak your name. Now all I have are memories and pictures in a frame. John's memory is my keepsake with which I'll never part. God has him in his keeping and I have his memories in my heart. Sending my Love and Thoughts to Diane, Bryan, Jonathan and Kim.
Darcie Phillips
July 28, 2013
I am so sorry for your loss, no words can really suffice to comfort at this time. I will always remember what a zest for life he had and the great gatherings I had the privilege of being apart of .My prayers for you all.
The Old Crew
Alex Muenster
July 23, 2013
God speed John, from a bunch of old Pirates. Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved ones today and always.
Carl & Bernadette Coughlin
July 19, 2013
Dear Diane, Bryan, Jonathan & Family
It was my honor to know and work with John. He will be greatly missed.
Maureen Langan
July 18, 2013
Dear Diane, Bryan, Jonathan & Kim,
It's hard to understand why people are taken from us, but find comfort in knowing you were a special part of a well-lived life. Hold on to your memories and let them guide you during this time of sadness. John was a special man and will be missed by many.
Our love to all of you,
Maureen Langan and Skipper Morgan
William Poist
July 16, 2013
John.....great competitor and real life guy!! A real John Wayne. Miss you buddy!
Dave Poist
July 16, 2013
Dear Diane, Kim, Jonathan, Bryan & your extended families,
We have so many precious memories of all the awesome times throughout the many years of our friendship. John will truly be missed with his larger than life smile and his laughter as he enjoyed life, family and friends. We were truly blessed to be a part of his life! RIP my friend, till we meet again. Love & Prayers to all.
Cheryl & Guy Kennedy
July 15, 2013
Such a gift to know this incredible man...we SOOO enjoyed our time with him and Diane...never enough we always said, thinking there would be more...He adored his children, his grandchildren and of course Diane! You all are so blessed to have had him in your lives and I know you will remember all that he taught you...the photos were particularly special to us because we always knew he had such a full life but we only got to see it in his cell phone or thru his terrific storytelling...best hugs and best smile forever!
Megan and Michael Behmke, Key West
Michael Behmke
July 15, 2013
One of my toughest customers, yet I enjoyed every minute I worked with him. So sorry for your loss.
Mark & Dara Fedele
July 15, 2013
John was always bigger that life, and it is that persona that will always be remembered. He will be missed by all who had the privilege to know him. You family is in our thoughts and prayers, may God give you all strength during this difficult time.
July 15, 2013
Our deepest sympathy to the Polhemus family. Juan carlos and Susana Giachino
The Louis J. Taormina Family
July 15, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time.
Rob Femia
July 15, 2013
Dewar Diane, Kimmy, Brian and Jonathan-
I am so very sorry for your loss.
My childhood is fondly filled with endless memories of John and the whole Polhemus family. I never saw my parents as happy as when they knew John and Diane were planning a trip back to NJ-truly the best of friends. So sad that he is gone, but we're all the better for having had him in our lives. The biggest, most magnetic, personality I have ever known... I'll miss his bellowing voice, infectious laugh and huge smile.
Thanks for all you meant, and always will mean, to me and my entire family, but especially to my parents. You will be missed big man. RIP.
July 15, 2013
Chris and I were both shocked by John's passing. Our hearts and prayers go out to Diane and the family. In all of my contact with John, I never realized that we shared two common areas, both of being Eagle Scouts and mechanical engineers. John will be greatly missed.
Pete and Chris Meier, Stuart, Florida
July 15, 2013
To the Polhemus family, I have known John since Martin County High School football days and I will miss him. Bryan helped save my son John's life. May the Good Lord be with all of you and I am better for knowing this family.
Bob Chapman, Palm City, Fl.
Liz DiBartolo
July 14, 2013
I have so many fond memories of John and the entire Polhemus family going way back to the many summers we spent together in the Keys. I will cherish the memories forever. All my love goes out to Diane, Kim, Bryan, and Jonathan during this difficult time. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Manny & Alex Maldonado
July 14, 2013
To the Polhemus family we send our thoughts and will always have great memories of John's gregarious personality and warm heart.
Patty@Carl Abendroth
July 14, 2013
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Ron & Cathie Teal
July 14, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the extended Polhemus family. May the Good Lord be with you as you transition through this episode of life and John transitions to his life hereafter.
Sincerely,
Ron & Cathie Teal
Lidia & Carlos Maldonado
July 14, 2013
You and Diane have been our friends since we moved to Stuart many, many years ago.
We shall miss you terribly
Our condolences to Diane and all the kids
Jeffrey, Melissa & Ethan Wissel
July 14, 2013
Such great memories - Uncle John was larger than life! We are so sad that he is no longer with us, but now may he rest in peace.
Sherie Gage - Case
July 14, 2013
Thoughts and Prayers for you Diane, Bryan and the whole Polhemus family..
Jody Crouthamel
July 14, 2013
My Most Dearest Friend Kim-
I know how close you were to your Dad, and this isn't easy. Even as a little girl it was evident to me that the most important thing to your Dad was his family. Some of my best childhood memories were at the Polhemus house. There was always a lot of love and laughter there. Your Dad is going to be very missed by the many people whose lives he touched. My sincere condolences to you, your wonderful Mom, Diane, Brian, Jonathan and their beautiful families. May love and light surround you all during this most difficult time. Rest in peace John.
Your Forever Friend-
Jody
Wendy Bell - Renfroe
July 13, 2013
My deepest sympathy for all of the Polhemus family! I have only the fondest memories of Mr. P and your family! You all treated me like a family member and always made me feel so loved and special! My prayers for peace and comfort for you all! Love to you always!
July 13, 2013
Dear Diane, our deepest sympathy, so many great memories in Stuart and at your home and the many boat trips we took to the Bahamas. We will all miss John deeply, a friend for 30 yrs. bob and Sally stella
Patty & Jim Chason
July 13, 2013
Diane, we were so sorry to hear about John. You and your Family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Larry [Buzz] Cohen
July 13, 2013
Dear Diane and family,deepest sympathy to all,we lost a good man, Buzz
David Murphy
July 13, 2013
Dear Diane and Family, I want to extend my heartfelt sympathy for your loss of John. I have such fond memories of times with John and the whole family. He will be sorely missed. Hold tight to the memories, and the moments spent with John. And remember that you and your family are always in my thoughts and prayers.
Stephanie Christenson
July 13, 2013
I am deeply saddened to hear John has passed away... I just thought of y'all the other day... Miss seeing you daily in the gym... My heart goes out to everyone.... RIP John
July 13, 2013
Dear Diane, We are so sorry for your loss. What a shock!
We will always have fond memories of you & John coming
to "The Deck". Our deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Sincerely, Judy & Norm Lay
Michelle Romans
July 13, 2013
I will always remember when I met John...He was talking about how he was meeting his beautiful daughter for lunch, and said everything he could good about her, and he didn't even know Kim and I were friends. I know he loved his family and they loved him just as much.... so sorry for your loss. Michelle Romans xoxo
Chris Knight
July 13, 2013
Dear Diane and Family, My heartfelt sympathy to you and your family for your loss of John.
Chris Knight
Krissy Lustgarten
July 13, 2013
Deepest sympathy to all the Polhemus family.
cindy tenney
July 12, 2013
Dear Diane,and family,Jim and I are deeply saddened by the news of Johns passing.We will always remember him as a kind and generous man,who was blessed with a great sense of humor.You and your family in in our prayers,thinking of you all,loveJim and Cindy
July 12, 2013
Dearest Diane and Family,
We will always remember John's bigger than life persona and his ever present smile. I treasure the memory working with John, Father Mcgee, George Enot, and all the others, on the new St. Martin church. It will serve as a lasting memorial to you and your family. We are a prayer and a phone call away! Love, Gary and Karol
Hope Marinello
July 12, 2013
Brian,
My heart goes out to you and your family. John was always thought of all as his extended family. He will be sadly missed.
Rendy Banks
July 12, 2013
Dear Diane,
My deepest sympathy to you, Bryan, Kim, Jonathan and your entire family for your loss. I find it difficult to accept that John's infectious personality has been silenced, however it will forever remain within me. I am thankful for having been a part of his life. RIP dear friend. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time.
Linda McCann Hake
July 12, 2013
Diane, I am truly sad to hear of John's passing. He was so full of life and laughter. My first client, and my favorite. He was very fortunate to share his life with you by his side, and for all the love and happiness you and your family gave him. May God bless you and watch over you in these difficult times.
July 12, 2013
John was my first and longest friend in Stuart, in 1976 and I have loved the entire Polhemus family ever since. He used to wear a tee shirt that said, "the person who dies with the most toys wins" and we would shriek with laughter...but that was then, in careless youth. I am devastated with this loss, and my heart goes out to Diane, Kimmy, Jonathan, and Bryan...If I could get a message to John it would be this...save me a seat on the Jersey side of heaven.
God Bless
Laurie Murphy
Joe & Suzy DiBartolo
July 12, 2013
Dear Diane, Kim, Jonathan, Zusanne, Bryan and Kari,
Our most precious memories are of wonderful times with John and your family. He will live on, larger than life, in our hearts. He is smiling down on us and expecting us to live life to the fullest.
Our Love and Prayers surround you all.
Your forever friends.
Joe and Suzy DiBartolo
James Knight
July 12, 2013
John had become a Stuart fixture, one which shone his light upon many. I will be among the many who will miss his quick wit and broad smile in the coming years. Just try to recall those many times when he provided the humor to lift spirits. May God bless and comfort those he leaves.
Paige Burchfield
July 12, 2013
So sorry to hear of John's passing. Thank you for sharing those wonderful pictures; clearly John loved his family and in turn was loved deeply by each of you. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers as you go through this difficult time. God Bless you.
David Bowman
July 11, 2013
So very sorry to learn of John's passing. Our deepest sympathies in your loss. Dave and Helen Bowman
Jean & Michael Coale
July 11, 2013
Diane and Family,
Our sincere sympathy to the Polhemus family.
May God guide you through these difficult times. The family has done a magnificent job of holding the helm through a rough storm in God's sea this past year, when the Captain could not. He has sailed to a far, far better place and is at peace. I know he is holding a seat at the bar for all of us to join him.
Oceans of love!
Lifelong friends
July 11, 2013
Dear Diane and family, Our deepest sympathies are with you
during this difficult time.
Wayne, Patty, Julie, Dewayne, Laura and Chris Strausbaugh
Bob & Tracy Davis
July 11, 2013
Diane and family,
We are so very sorry for your loss. John was a great guy and will be missed by many. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
July 11, 2013
Diane & Family:
We were deeply saddened to hear the news of John's passing. We hope in the days and months to come, you will be consoled with the wonderful memories you shared together.
Warmest regards,
Vince & Carol Angelo (Newnan, Ga.
Nancy Scott
July 11, 2013
Dear Diane & Family,
My thoughts & love go out to you over the loss of your wonderful husband, father & friend!! John's beaming smile will never be forgotten....... Nancy Scott
July 11, 2013
Diane and family,
We are so sorry for your loss.
Warmest Regards,
Paula & Bob Follweiler
1979, hope this picture helps you to smile.
Sharon Banks VanderWekke
July 11, 2013
As I knew him, Big John, was a man who was larger than life and his name fit him perfectly in my eyes. His infectious smile and heartfelt laugh will remain with me for all my life. The Polhemus family is a large part of why my childhood was so wonderful: whether we were at the Jersey Shore, Fayson Lakes or Florida, I always had a great time with the Polhemus family. My heart & prayers are with you Diane, Kim, Bryan & Jonathan & your families. I know all too well that words don't always help during this difficult time but I pray you find comfort knowing how many lives Big John made better just with his smile! Big John will live on in all our hearts and will never be forgotten by anyone who knew & loved him.
Andrea Ern
July 11, 2013
Diane and family, I am so sorry for your loss. I will never forget John's big heart and bigger smile. Prayers and thoughts are with you all,
Doug Maleno
July 11, 2013
Our deepest sympathys to Diane and Family. We are truly saddened with the news of Johns passing. May God Bless the Polhemus Family. Rest in Peace John.
Steven Scandaliato
July 11, 2013
Brian, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family. I count it a blessing to have had the chance know and work with him over the years. All our best during this time... Steven and Anna Scandaliato.
Barbara Banks-Spagnuolo
July 11, 2013
Big John had a great heart and a great laugh and was loved by many. My heart breaks knowing he left behind Diane, Kim, Bryan and Jonathan and their families, but I know he is in a better place now. Thank you John & Diane for creating many happy childhood memories I will cherish forever.
Stephanie Schoppe
July 11, 2013
Diane and family my heart and prayers go out to you. I wish I could be there for the service, but I will be there in spirit. Let me know if there is anything I can do from here. Love to all of you. Stephanie
Maeve A. Buckley
July 11, 2013
Dear Diane and Family.
All of my family join with me in sending our love, our sympathy and our prayers on the death of your dear husband John. May he rest in well deserved peace. All the Allens and Buckleys in Dublin, Ireland. God bless you all. Maeve
July 11, 2013
John was like a bull in a china shop but he got the job done. Either you liked John or you didn't but his heart was always about doing the right thing. It was an honor to get to know John over the years and I felt privileged to be part of his life. He was a great family man and loved them all. I am sure that John is still giving his opinion to those that will listen and will make sure that the almighty AHJ will do it his way. Rest in Peace John, you will be missed.
Chuck and Juanita Akers (Okeechobee, FL)
Gary & Bec Dowd
July 11, 2013
We are so sorry for your loss. It's been a pleasure working for John on Pole Bender for years. Our thoughts are with you and your family.
Terry Grazi
July 11, 2013
God Bless. Much Love goes out to you and your family.
July 11, 2013
Our deepest sympathies for your loss. Cox Fire Protection, Inc.
Emily Murphy
July 11, 2013
Diane, So many fond memories and good times shared with you and John. My sympathies to you and your family.
Sharyl McCreary
July 11, 2013
I knew John for many years on the Licensing Board of Martin County. My deepest sympathy to the entire family, and know that earth has no sorrow that God can't and won't heal. RIP John, your family loved you, but God loved you best.
July 10, 2013
Captain,
I'm glad I had the opportunity to fish with you and even happier we were able to have a couple of beers at the Green Parrot. Thanks for the great trips. Fish on........
Tadd Mallard (Key West)
Patty & Roger Croland
July 10, 2013
Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to you, Diane, & your entire family. John was always the life of the party. We will forever miss his smile. May God comfort all of you as you go through this most difficult time of your lives. RIP our dear friend John.
Cindy & Lee Collins
July 10, 2013
Rest in peace John.
Cindy Collins
July 10, 2013
We will truly miss you John. Love and prayers go out to the Polhemus family.
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