John C. Shreve, II
August 22, 1925 - July 21, 2017
Wellsville
John Clifford Shreve II passed away Friday, July 21, 2017 in the home of his daughter and son-in-law. Just 31 days before his 92nd birthday, his last days were filled with three generations of family wishing him Godspeed, honoring his departure with love.
He was born August 22, 1925 in Trenton, NJ the only child of the late John C Shreve and Beulah (Shutz) Shreve of York.
John graduated from York High, class of 1942 and Rider College after WWII. He began his career in accounting, moving into his last employment by Martin-Marietta Company in Contracts Administration. He work on the Gemini Space Program and was present in the control center at Cape Canaveral for every Gemini launch. He retired from there in 1967 to build Footlight Ranch, a summer camp for the Performing Arts.
The evolution of his businesses included the first dinner-theatre in central PA, traveling theatrical productions, The Florida Keys Restaurant and Hospitality Center which hosted company picnics and outdoor weddings for many years, a membership swimming pool and a light aircraft airport.
Shreveport North airport hosted family focused flying activities, most notably the Mason-Dixon Ultra Light Father's Day Fly-in for almost 30 years. An avid aviation fan, John flew a Cessna 195, parked in his "yard", an interest he maintained his entire life. He established a program called First Flight to teach teens to fly and was a member of AOPA for over half a century. He belonged to the Quiet Birdmen and the Hi-Fliars club.
John served in the U.S. Army as a member of the 503rd Regimental Combat Team and parachuted into Corregidor for the retaking of that island. Witnessed by General Douglass MacArthur circling above, it was the first paratroop activity in the South Pacific. He served the remainder of the war in the Philippines and was discharged on February 24, 1946.
John was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Olga (Stambaugh) Shreve and died two years and two days after her passing. He is survived by three children, Sherry March of Wellsville and her husband, Bill, John Shreve III of Wellsville, and Denise Connors of Milwaukee, WI; ten grandchildren, Philip Grim, Rebecca Schiffhauer, Jason March, Erin Pace, Ashley Shreve, Jonathan Shreve, Shana Houck, Jessica Brzezinski, Christopher Connors and Stephanie Connors. He and Olga also have 22 great-grandchildren; and one great-great- grandchild with another on the way.
Arrangements are by Cocklin Funeral Home in Dillsburg. Services will be private. The family plans a memorial service on Topsail Island, NC next summer, where their combined ashes will be scattered on the ocean they loved to visit. Their family, who deeply mourn their passing, will honor John and Olga by celebrating their lives and their love for each other and the generations they created.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Dillsburg VFW, South Mountain Post #6771, 22 Franklin Street, Dillsburg, PA 17019
An online guestbook can be signed at www.cocklinfuneralhome.com