John William Owen, USN Retired Seabee CM1, died unexpectedly, but peacefully in his sleep at home on his 76th Birthday, February 28, 2024 in Casselberry, FL.
John is survived by his wife, Cynthia (Cindy) of Casselberry FL; children Christopher (Chris) Owen of Winter Springs, FL, Suzanne (Suzy) Bevan of Altamonte Springs, FL and Heather A. Sabounji of Longwood, FL. He also has seven grandchildren: Kenny and Nate Bevan, Savannah, Hyland and Canyon Owen, Ethan and Charlotte Sabounji. His siblings, Steve Owen, Maria Owen Torragrossa, Patricia (Patty) Owen Carbone, David Owen, all of White Plains, NY and Virginia Owen MacDonald of Alpharetta, GA.
He is preceded in death by his parents John A. and Virginia P. Owen and brother Gerard Owen of Elmsford, NY.
John was born on February 28, 1948 in Valhalla, NY to John and Virginia Owen. John is a Mt. Carmel graduate of 1961, graduated from Alexander Hamilton HS in 1965 and received his B.S. from Mercy College in 1980. He enlisted in the US Navy in 1967 and served his country with honor during the Vietnam War and was recalled in 1991 for Operation Desert Storm, retiring in 1994. After moving to Orlando, FL in 1987, John began working for the local Caterpillar Dealership, Ringhaver/RingPower as a Service Rep from 1981-2004; and the City of Winter Park as an Event Attendant from 2012-2018. He retired in 2018 to devote time to his family.
John was an honorable man, always a warmth to his presence, a genuine caring of his family and friends, a compassionate person who helped anyone in need, a heartfelt embrace, a glow in his eyes with a smile on his face, and always told the best stories and jokes, usually leaving everyone in tears from laughing so hard. He expressed his love and devotion of Cindy and family to his golf and Seabee buddies, Church friends, Neighbors and all he interacted with.
John loved traveling to various Lighthouses with Cindy and learning the history of the areas they visited. John will always be the Captain of my heart. For his children, “Dad” was always there and present to them. Going to many FSU football games with Heather, having an incredibly memorable moment for both by getting their picture taken with the mascot and helping her transition through the college years, plus never missing countless moves over the years. When any of the children were in Dad’s car, he would always have the latest hit music playing for them.
He loved being a part of the grandkids lives whether it was a band concert, attending countless football games, cheerleading and dance events. He was always proud to be there, but if he couldn’t make one, he would call to encourage them. He loved to laugh and it was a contagious laughter that could light up any room. His laughter was deep and resonating, it was as if the whole world around him would come alive with joy and those who knew him, remember his laugh fondly.
Although we will miss his laughter and smile, it will never be forgotten. Most of all, he touched so many with his charismatic personality and was a person who could make small talk with anyone. He never met a stranger. His love was felt by so many and he will forever be missed by all who knew him.
A Vigil/Celebration of Life is scheduled for April 11, 2024 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at DeGusipe Funeral Home in Maitland, FL with a reception to follow.
The Funeral Mass is scheduled for April 12, 2024 at 11:15 a.m. at St. Stephens Catholic Church in Winter Springs, FL; with a reception to follow. All are welcome to attend and celebrate John’s life.
John will be interned at the Cape Canaveral National Veteran Cemetery on April 15, 2024 at 12:30 p.m. for the immediate family and friends.