John Owen Ginnelly, 87, of Englewood, Florida died March 6, 2014 at the Jacobson's State Veterans Nursing Home in Port Charlotte, Florida. He was born November 25, 1926 to Joseph and Margaret Ginnelly in Chicago, Illinois. John served in the U.S. Navy during WWII from 1944 to 1949 serving on the USS Estes and the USS Union earning a Victory Medal, American Area Campaign Medal, China Service Medal, a a Good Conduct Medal. He stayed in the Navy from 1949 to 1953 serving on the USS Salamonie and the USS Hoist during the Korean War. He was an engineer for many companies, with 17 years at Hydromation Engineering Company.

John was an avid reader, could repair nearly everything, loved ballroom dancing, doing crossword puzzles, playing poker, and eating goodies. He had a joke for every occasion or subject, and had an uncanny ability to slip in a joke at just the right time. John was a member of the Elks, VFW, and Holiday Estates Association.

John was preceded in death by his three wives, Janet Reed, Roberta Stead, and Rita Klein Gardiner Ginnelly. Survivors include his siblings, Margaret (Roy) Breuhan of Shelby Township, MI, Thomas (Viola)Ginnelly of Lone, CA, Gerald (Beverly) Ginnelly of Prescott, AZ, Ann Flumignan of Londonderry, NH, and Judith Brown of South Lyon, MI; four step-children from his third marriage, David (Rosemary) Gardiner of Kalamazoo, Colleen (Bernie) Graham of Englewood, FL, Denise Gardiner of Portage, MI, and Donald (Melissa Jordon) Gardiner of Mattawan, MI; six step-grandchildren; seven step-great grandchildren; and good buddy, Don Fox.

At his request, John was cremated. Family and friends will gather for interment and military honors on Tuesday July 29, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. in St. Edward Catholic Cemetery in Mendon, MI where John will be buried next to his late wife, Rita. Memorial contributions may be directed to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan, or Tidwell Hospice in Englewood, Florida.