John Frank Szoke III, 62
Click link to view John’s Memorial Video
John Frank Szoke III, 62, passed away July 8, 2021 peacefully in his home surrounded by his loving family. John fought cancer with courage, grace, and dignity. When the cancer became more aggressive John did not get mad, he would say, “it is what it is”.
John was born on April 7, 1959 at Scotts Air Force Base in Illinois to John F. Szoke Jr and Louise.
Shortly after graduating from Orange Park High School, John met the love of his life; his beloved wife of 40 years, Veronica (Antoine). John and Veronica are the proud parents of two amazing, beautiful daughters; Jennifer and Brittany. The girls forever changed his life, they are truly Daddy’s girls. Even though they are both married with families they would still call their Daddy every day. He taught them how to be strong and independent women.
John proudly served in the U.S. Army for 20 years. He served in Operation Desert Storm and Desert Shield as a crew chief in Army Aviation. He loved the Army and gladly served his country. He retired from the 101st Airborne Division Ft Campbell Kentucky.
While John loved his career as a military man, he loved his family more. John was a true family man, and always spent his free time with his wife and daughters. He could always be found near a body of water, fishing, hiking and canoeing. John always had a great sense of humor. He had the uncanny ability to make everyone laugh. His personality has often been said to be larger than life. He left a lasting impression on everyone he met.
John is preceded in death by his mother, Louise Szoke (Messenger). He is survived by his wife, Veronica (Antoine), daughters Jennifer (Corey Lee) and Brittany (Clint Dorman). John is also survived by his 3 grandchildren, Skyler Szoke (15), Audrey Lee (7), and Daisy Dorman (4). John leaves behind his father, John Frank Szoke Jr, his sister Louise (Cookie) Butler, and his brother Fred (Sandra Szoke), and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral Services will be held 11:00 AM Thursday, July 15, 2021 in the Chapel of Russell haven of Rest Funeral Home with Monsignor James R. Boddie, Jr. officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00 AM until service begins on Thursday. Burial will follow at 2:00 PM Thursday in Jacksonville National Cemetery.
Arrangements are under the care of Russell Haven of Rest Cemetery, Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 2335 Sandridge Road, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043. Family and friends may share their condolences at: www.RHRFH.com 904-284-7720
Directions to Jacksonville National Cemetery
Enter I-295 N toward Savannah to north of I-10
Take Exit 32 , turn left at Lem Turner Road, go 5 miles
Turn right on Lannie Road, go 3 miles
Jacksonville National Cemetery will be on your left
4083 Lannie Road, Jacksonville, Fl 32218