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.