Obituaries
John Clemons Brons, 77
June 19, 2015
John Clemons Brons, June 19, 2015. Born in Chicago, Illinois on September 29th, 1937, Jack was the only child of the late Theodore J. Brons and Gene Brons.
On June 13th, 1959 he married his wife of 54 years, Ruth Brons. He is the father of Marianne Cooley, Betsy Snyder and Mickey Brons. He is the proud grandfather of 14: Cara and Ned Cooley, Drew, Brent, Mandy, Cory and TJ Snyder, and Edmund, Tess, Charlize, Jack, Miriam, Gil and Peter Brons.
After graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1959, he served as a naval officer for 21 years aboard destroyers and submarines, including command of the USS RICHARD B. RUSSELL (SSN 687). Upon retirement from the Navy, he worked an additional 25 years in the commercial nuclear power industry.
An avid golfer who learned the game while caddying at Tam O’Shanter Country Club outside Chicago, he was never happier than when reunited with his large family during their annual trips to the Basin Harbor Club in Vergennes, VT. Those Vermont trips have provided the extended Brons family a lifetime of wonderful memories, sprinkled liberally with their Dad/Grampa’s wisdom, wit and love.
He was a regular communicant and lector at St. Joseph’s of Lancaster. A lifelong devoted Catholic, voracious reader, and insatiable learner, he enriched the lives of countless family and friends through animated discussions of topics ranging from the Faith to history, literature, economics, engineering, and politics. He and his late wife, Ruth, served as firm but loving mentors and supporters to a number of priests and seminarians.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend the Requiem Mass at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 440 St. Joseph St., Lancaster, PA 17603 on Monday, June 29th, 2015 at 11 AM, the Rev. John Ringley as Celebrant. Interment will be private in Evanston, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the St. Joseph’s Restoration Fund at the above church address. Alternately, donations may be made to Hospice & Community Care at 685 Good Drive, PO Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604.
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Condolences to the Family
July 14, 2015
I am saddened to hear of Jack’s death. Jack’s mom, Genevieve, Jack and Ruthy were so welcoming to me as I was welcomed into their extended family as the first cousin of Irene Baker Slomer, who was a first cousin to Genevieve. It took me several decades to find my lost family of Becker/Baker. And I always thought of them as family also. I will miss our calls and emails as well as Christmas letters. Now Jack and Ruthy will be together for eternity. The circle of love is complete.
God Bless you all. You are a special family to have had such wonderful parents as Jack and Ruthy.
Catherine Baker Overkamp
coverkamp@bajbb.com
June 28, 2015
My prayers go out for Jack and to the family. I pray that he will be at peace and reunited with Ruthie. I knew them while they lived in Wheaton and became friends while attending the same Bible study. They were both so proud of their children and grandchildren and talked about them all the time.
Cathy Swanson
June 24, 2015
With deepest sympathy on your loss to the entire Brons family. Jack was a classmate and friend, whom I got to know very well over the past two decades, as we both served on several class reunion committees. A wonderful gentleman with a deep faith in God and an unwavering love of family. May Jack rest in peace.
Walt Szczypinski, USNA ’59
June 24, 2015
My deepest condolences for your loss.
Jack was a great classmate, friend, colleague, and mentor. I benefited from his great insightfulness when he was at Indian Point and at Commonwealth Edison. He helped me out many times in thorny situations.
He taught me much that I carried through for the rest of my professional life.
Bill Corcoran
USNA 1959
June 24, 2015
May happy memories fill your heart during this sad time. With deepest sympathy. The Keller family
June 23, 2015
Sorry for yor loss. Mr.Brons was a great officer. He was my engineering officer in the late 60’s putting the Sturgeon (SSN-637) in service . I will have our son,Father Shawn O’Neal do a mass for himat his church in Brevard,N.C. Rest you oars ,sir. Thomas E. O’Neal ETR-2 (SS) and family
June 22, 2015
Sending heartfelt condolences to all the Brons family and thanksgiving to God for the lives of both Jack and Ruthie as well as for the soon to be 60 years of their leadership, friendship, and love in Jerry’s and my lives. Their departure from this earth has left a crater in my heart. Mary Benson
June 22, 2015
Fair winds, and following seas, Shipmate. Home the sailor from the sea. Well Done.
Robert D. Jones, Capt. USN, Ret. USNA 1964
- Services
- Monday, June 29, 2015
- 11:00 AM
- St. Joseph Catholic Church
- 440 St. Joseph St.
- Lancaster, PA
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