Dr. John F. Powers

1935 - 2017

Dr. John F. Powers

Stuart, FL

Dr. John Frederick Powers, 82, peacefully passed away on November 15, 2017, in Stuart, Florida.

Dr. Powers was born on February 20, 1935, in Miami Beach, Florida. His parents, Eugene and Isabelle Powers, moved to Florida from Canada when the family construction company began building roads and bridges throughout the state. Needing to settle down as the children reached school age, the family established roots in Clewiston, Florida. As a true native Floridian, John grew up waterskiing on Lake Okeechobee and exploring the Everglades. When John was twelve, his father died suddenly. As the oldest son, John felt responsible to help the family. He worked odd jobs, and in high school he became a front desk clerk at the Clewiston Inn.

John was a lifelong learner. He was naturally inquisitive and eager to discover how things worked. This drive propelled him to the University of Florida and the University of Miami Medical School. But John was always a Gator at heart! An internship at St. Mary's Hospital in West Palm Beach, Florida, was followed by a one-year surgical residency at Good Samaritan Hospital in Dayton, Ohio.

His dearest companion throughout his youth was Joann Pitzen. They met in first grade and married at the age of 23, while John was attending medical school. Looking to settle down in 1964, John and Joann visited Stuart, Florida. The beautiful town and friendly people convinced them this was the place to raise their family. John joined a medical practice and became one of only a few doctors serving the Martin County community. As a family doctor, he delivered many babies in Stuart before the county finally had an obstetrician. He would on occasion accompany his patients to the OR and assist with their surgery.

John was dedicated to caring for his patients, but he was also completely devoted to his family. John and Joann raised six children. A true family man, he toured the continental United States driving a station wagon full of kids and towing a travel trailer. Always adventurous, he employed his skills as an Eagle Scout, using a compass to guide the family across the Gulf Stream to the Bahamas for many summer vacations. Once the children were grown, John and Joann toured the world, eager to explore other countries and cultures. In later years he arranged the annual family vacation to the Keys-a group of twenty-four with kids and grandkids.

John believed in serving his community. As President of the Kiwanis Club, he was instrumental in building the county's first community pool on the campus of Martin County High School. He served as Chief of Staff at Martin Memorial Hospital, and was President of the Tri-County Medical Society. Upon retirement, he was honored as Martin Memorial's longest practicing physician. Unable to sit idle for long, he returned to work in the hospital's Wound Care Center.

Dr. Powers is survived by his wife of fifty-nine years, Joann, and five children: Mike (Tara), Jim (Melissa), Steve (Cheryl), Michelle (Dr. John) Villa, and Ted (Monica). He is survived by a sister, Patricia Ann "Nancy" Powers. Dr. Powers was predeceased by his second son, John Patrick Powers, and his brother, Timer Powers. He is also survived by twelve grandchildren, who will dearly miss their "Papa John": Meaghan and Maura Powers; Emily and Natalie Powers; Laura Jayne, Kendra, and Julie Powers; Brian, Theresa, and Luke Villa; and Claire and Audrey Powers.

Visitation for Dr. Powers will take place on Monday, November 20, 2017, from 5-7 p.m., at Forest Hills Funeral Home, 2001 SW Murphy Road, Palm City, Florida, 34990.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, November 21, 2017, at 10 a.m., at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1200 SE 10th Street, Stuart, Florida. Graveside service will follow at Forest Hills Memorial Park, Palm City, Florida.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to The Society of St. Vincent de Paul, 1200 SE 10th Street, Stuart, Florida, 34996.