John Emerson, Decorated Veteran, Dies at 90

Obituary for John M. Emerson, Clermont, FL
March 9, 1928 – August 17, 2018

John Emerson, 90 yrs. old. Born in Brooklyn, NY to Mary Hatton and Terrence Emerson. He was preceded in death by both parents, brother Donald and first wife Jacqueline Emerson (nee Mirtich). He is survived by his wife Eileen, 7 children - Michael Emerson, John Emerson Jacqueline Parker, Suzette McLaughlin-Tracey, Nanette Emerson, Christopher Emerson and Matthew Emerson, 14 grand-children and 2 great-grandchildren. John took great pride in the success of his children and the love they hold for each other.

He attended Erasmus Hall High School, Brooklyn, NY where he lettered in baseball. He continued playing baseball and softball into his late 70s.

He volunteered for the Army Paratroopers spending 2 years with the 11th Airborne Division and served with the Army of Occupation, Japan, WWII. When the Korean War broke out he was among the first volunteers for the newly formed Army Ranger Airborne Units. While serving with the 5th Ranger Company in Korea he earned the Combat Infantry Badge, Purple Heart, Korean Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars, and the Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation.

Following his retirement from the Hanover Insurance Company as a Marketing and Sales Executive he owned an Independent Insurance Agency in Miller Place, NY. After 6 years of operation he and Eileen retired to Sebastian, FL where they lived for 7 years before moving to Clermont, FL.

He was a past member of the Port Jefferson Knights of Columbus, past President of the Infant Jesus Holy Name Society, Port Jefferson, NY and Past President of the Miller Place Chamber of Commerce. He was buried with Military Honors at Arlington National Cemetery.

The family wishes those wanting to remember John to make a donation to the Wounded Warrior Project in his name. Donations can be made at www.woundedwarriorproject.org.