John F Neyenhouse

John F. Neyenhouse, 91, of Wild Goose Lane, Plattsburgh, NY passed away on Monday December 6, 2010 at CVPH Medical Center in Plattsburgh. He was born in Plattsburgh, NY on November 16, 1919 the son of George and Theresa (Duquette) Neyenhouse. John graduated from Morrisonville High School in 1940 and attended Plattsburgh State University, before joining the Army Air Corp. in World War ll. He served in the European Theater and the air offensive over Europe, Normandy and Northern France where he flew 71 bombing missions piloting a B-26 Marauder. Having attained the rank of Major at the age of 25, John received the European African Middle Eastern Campaign Ribbon and the Distinguished Flying Cross Air Medal with Twelve Oak Leaf Clusters. Following his discharge from the service and a brief career as a commercial pilot, he owned and operated a dairy farm in Peru, NY and later held civilian positions on Plattsburgh Air Force Base as Chief of Construction in Base Procurement and later as Vehicle Maintenance Officer. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, Knights of Columbus and a communicant of St. Mary's of the Lake Church. Aviation grew to be his passion as he was especially proud of maintaining his pilot's license throughout his adult life. Infinitely and remarkably patient and accepting of others and dedicated to his family, he was most notably optimistic and positive-thinking and always found a way to infuse humor where it was so badly needed. He enjoyed great books and beautiful music. Survivors include his loving wife of 66 years, Mary (Sullivan) Neyenhouse, four sons and eight daughters. John and Mary Neyenhouse Jr. of The Villages, FL, Sheila and Wayne Dumont of Beekmantown, NY, Mary and Eric Jackstadt of Plattsburgh, Peter and Tonya Neyenhouse of Noonan, GA, James and Diane Neyenhouse of Peru, NY, Charles and Penny Neyenhouse of Peru, NY, Rita and Paul Fessette of Saranac, NY, Sarah and Lawrence Cromie of Beekmantown, NY, Theresa Munro and Tom Maher of Plattsburgh NY, Carol Neyenhouse of Plattsburgh, NY, Susan and Tom Higgins of Peru, NY and Ann Neyenhouse and Scott Edelstein of Fayetteville, GA., 29 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, a sister Mary and a son Richard. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to the CVPH Foundation as a way of showing their gratitude for the loving care he received by the doctors and staff at CVPH Medical Center Hospital. At John's request, his remains have been donated to the University of Vermont for medical research. A Memorial Mass will be held on Thursday December 9, 2010, at 1:00 p.m. at St. Mary's of the Lake Church. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, 29 Broad St., Plattsburgh, NY 12901, (518) 561-3980 Online condolences and memorial candles may be offered at www.brownfuneralhomeinc.com.