John De Nicola

John DeNicola was born on February 11th, 1922, in Gulfport, MS, the second youngest of 9 children and a first generation American. He joined the Marine Corps within a month of Pearl Harbor, to serve his country. He was sent to the South Pacific, as part of the First Marine Air Wing and assigned to a photo reconnaissance squadron, as our Forces advanced across the Pacific. He attained the rank of Crew Chief/Tech Sergeant, maintaining B-24s. He served on active duty from 1942-1946. While on leave in 1942, he met Lois Mirth on a train and they were married in Chicago, after only meeting 6 times prior to their wedding on December 6th, 1942. At the end of this year, they would have celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary. After the War, he began a long career in aerospace beginning at North American Aviation in Columbus, OH in 1952. He served as a technical representative for North American supporting the US Air Force in France, Northern Ireland and Germany for our F-86D fighter aircraft. He took his family overseas for 2 years on this assignment. After returning to the States, John was fortunate to be a part the acclaimed American space program including early rocket testing at Cape Canaveral, the Apollo Program and the Space Shuttle. He retired in 1985, as an Executive Advisor for Rockwell international. Upon retirement, he and Lois, built a beautiful home in Cambria, CA and were so happy to live in such a lovely place, near the sea. His hobby was maintaining his home. He was one of the first docents supporting the Elephant Seal education program and worked many hours on the beach helping visitors, answering questions and giving presentations to Clubs and groups, throughout the area. He and Lois also worked at the Information desk for the Visitors Center at Hearst Castle. John passed away on April 29th and is survived by his wife, Lois, daughter, Sylvia Huth and son-law, Robert Huth of Cambria. In addition, he leaves a score of wonderful nieces, nephews and their families too numerous to list here. John DeNicola was truly a part of the “Greatest Generation”, living his life with dignity, honor, kindness and love of Country. Military services will be held at graveside at the Cambria Cemetery on June 10th at 2pm,.

John De Nicola

February 11, 1922 - April 29, 2017