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John Matthew McCormick, Age 94, of Winter Park, Florida, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family on Friday, September 15, 2017. He was born in Gary, Indiana on September 21, 1922 to Raymond and Florence McCormick, graduating from Horace Mann High School, then working in the Steel Mills of Gary Indiana.
John heard the calling to serve his country in 1942 and headed to Texas to learn to fly planes. He subsequently graduated from Lubbock Air School as a pilot and was assigned to a B-24 in the 15th Air Force based in Grottaglie, Italy. On a famous April 4, 1944 raid over Bucharest, Romania, John’s B-24 was shot down and he became a prisoner of war. During his military career, he received many honors and awards including the Purple Heart, Air Medal, Prisoner of War Medal and the Presidential Unit Citation Award for the April 4th mission. John retired from the US Air Force as a Lieutenant Colonel but continued to enjoy attending reunions and serving in various officer positions with the 449th Bomb Group; Former Prisoners of War in Romania and American Legion Post 112. John always enjoyed sharing his war stories with those who showed an interest and in 2014 was instrumental in delivering supplies and financial support from the POW Association to an orphanage in Bucharest.
Upon his return from WWII, John met his wife Doris Ward in 1945 while stationed at Orlando Air Base as a Combat Intelligence Officer and they were married on June 7, 1945 at the Chapel at Orlando Air Base. Although initially living in Tampa and Gainesville, they subsequently settled in Winter Park where they have been residents for sixty years and married for 72 years. John and Doris were members of St. Margaret Catholic Church and John sang in the choir in his earlier years.
John attended the University of Florida where he received his Juris Doctor in law. He worked for several large law firms after graduation as well as the Florida Real Estate Commission and as past secretary of the Orange County Bar Association. In 1969, he purchased a building in Downtown Orlando where he served the Florida Bar and the Orange County Bar Association for more than 50 years. His daughter Beth became his paralegal as soon as she was old enough to work and together, they maintained a small but successful practice in estate planning, probate and real property law. John had a passion for helping others and faithfully made it to his office every day even after he gave up driving his car.
He is survived by his loving wife, Doris; his 5 children, Catherine (Robert) Kotanchik of Bath, PA; Thomas (Mary) McCormick of Camp Hill, PA; Robert (Deborah) McCormick of Redstone, CO; Elizabeth (Kevin) Ciullo of Longwood, FL and Joseph (Kari) McCormick of Lake Worth, FL. plus 11 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters Elizabeth Kendrick of Kenner, LA and Rosemary Harvey of Jacksonville, FL.
Funeral Mass will be held at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, 526 N Park Ave, Winter Park, on Saturday, September 23 at 10:30am. Burial to follow at Palm Cemetery, Winter Park. His 4 beloved grandsons, Jeff, Stephen, Gregory and Tim will serve as his attendants.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the John M. McCormick WW2 Memorial Account which can be made at any Wells Fargo Bank or mailed c/o P.O. Box 3323, Orlando, FL 32801 to be used for a brick memorial at the National WW2 Museum in New Orleans, LA.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Baldwin-Fairchild Goldenrod/Winter Park Funeral Home Goldenrod Chapel.
September 27, 2017
My condolences to the family. May God almighty give you strength to endure through these difficult moments.
September 23, 2017
Mark Bashaw
John was a wonderful friend and mentor he will be sorely missed by all whose lives he touched. Our sincerest sympathy to his family.
September 23, 2017
Lynn and Bill Van Reich
We are profoundly sad to learn that we have lost our neighbor of 40 years, John McCormick. It was a pleasure to have a chat with John, his wit and charm made for many memorable conversations, always included was a good laugh. John was a dedicated and true patriot, loving husband and father. We are out of state and unable to attend the funeral. To Doris and the McCormick family know that you are in our prayers with sympathy. John will be sorely missed.
September 23, 2017
Mary Donahue
A true American Hero and Patriot. Our deepest sympathy to his wife and family.
September 22, 2017
Andrew Coomes
John was an Irishman from a large Irish family in Gary, Indiana. He possessed a great Irish wit and a generous heart. He rushed to the defense of his country as a young man exhibiting uncommon bravery as a B24 pilot flying combat missions over Romania. By the age of 22 he had been shot down and was lucky to be one of the five of his crew of ten to survive. He was a soft touch for beggars and those in need. He was my friend and mentor for 45 years. I will miss him.
September 21, 2017
Kim Bakley
I have been blessed knowing Mr. McCormick. Always enjoyed speaking with him about the old black and white movies we had seen. He was such a wonderful, funny and intelligent man and he will be missed.
September 21, 2017
Friend
Peter & Ann Martin
We were fortunate enough to move to Redstone when John and Doris were frequent visitors. Over the years we got acquainted but had not heard of his amazing and heroic service during the war.
The fact that he was practicing law at age 94 is an inspiration and a tribute to his professional skill and dedication. We can only imagine how much he will be missed by his family, friends, and especially Bob and Debbie of Redstone with whom we have been friends since our move here in
1984. What a MAN!
September 21, 2017
Our thoughts & prayers are with you all. Dana & Alan Sherman
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Baldwin-Fairchild Goldenrod/Winter Park Funeral Home7520 Aloma Ave, Winter Park, FL 32792
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