John M. Meehan

John M. Meehan, 70, Taylor, died Tuesday at Gino J. Merli Veterans Center, where he had been a resident since March 1. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Marge Nacko Meehan.

Born in New York, the son of the late William and Dorothy Morris Meehan, he joined the United States Navy at the age of 17, serving two tours of duty in the Vietnam War on the USS Lexington and the USS Repose.

John knew instantly that he wanted to serve our country after a friend gave him a tour of an aircraft carrier. For decades, John wore a military-themed T-shirt everyday to show his pride for America. For those who knew him, there was nothing he loved more than his family and country. He was an avid Yankees and New York Giants fan as well as the Riverside Vikings football team. John loved all kinds of animals, especially his dog, Nikki, and his two cats, Cassie and Zoe.

The Meehan family would like to thank the wonderful staff at the Gino Merli Center for their compassionate care.

In addition to his wife, he would brag about his sons, Paul and his wife, Lynn, New York; Brian and his wife, Krysten, Scranton; daughters, Diana, South Carolina; and Christina, West Chester. He was a proud grandpa to Meghan, Avery, Lauren, Candice and Michael; a sister, Linda Prior, New Jersey.

Family and friends are invited to attend John's funeral, which will be held on Tuesday at 10 a.m. in the Semian Funeral Home, 704 Union St., Taylor, with services by the Rev. Philip Harendza. Interment with military honors will follow in St. Michael's Ukrainian Orthodox Cemetery, Taylor.

Friends may call Monday from 4 to 7 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial may be made to the veteran's center or to St. Michael's Ukrainian Church.

Visit the funeral home website to share memories or extend condolences.