John B. Schenk

John Blake Schenk, 75, of North Port, was called home on August 10, 2024. He was born in Rochester New York on August 16, 1948, to parents Gordon Potter Schenk, Sr., and Elizabeth Blake Schenk. He graduated from Wayne Central High School in 1966.

John proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1968-1970, including his duty in Vietnam as a Combat Medic in the 24th Infantry Division. He was awarded several military honors, including the National Defense Service Medal, Purple Heart, and Bronze Star.

Upon discharge from the Army, he worked for the Xerox Corporation in Rochester, New York until he moved to Florida in 1983. He was employed as a letter carrier for the U.S. Postal Service in Venice until he retired in 2001. After his retirement, he worked alongside his son-in-law in the family lawn care business.

John enjoyed researching his family history, and was so excited to trace his roots back to the Mayflower. He had an amazing green thumb, loved growing his own vegetables and was especially proud of his orchids. He was in the process of having his ‘69 Mustang restored, a life-long dream of his.

Above all, his love for his family was never ending. What he loved more than anything was the time he spent with them creating the beautiful memories that we will all hold dearly. Anyone he has ever met has heard stories about his grandchildren and how proud he was of them.

He is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Janice, his mother-in-law Lillian Cartello, his children Shannon Via, Amy Via (Jeff), Tara Valentino, and Michael Sagan, nine grandchildren and one great grandchild. He leaves his siblings Gordon Schenk Jr., William (Joan) Schenk, Roberta Douglas, sisters-in-law Sandee Schenk and Cindy Swalby (Terry), and brother-in-law Charles Cartello Jr. He was a proud and loving uncle to 12 nephews and nieces. John was preceded in death by his parents, Gordon and Elizabeth Schenk, his father-in-law Charles Cartello, his nephews Barry Schenk and Geoffrey Cartello, his brother George Schenk, and his beloved dog Ginger.

In May 2023, he had the privilege of participating in the SW Florida Honor Flight, an organization that transports veterans to Washington DC where they are honored at their memorials and receive the welcome home they deserve. It was his wish that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to SW Florida Honor Flight. Donations can be made through their website at swflhonorflight.org/donate, or by mail to PO Box 495065, Port Charlotte FL 33949.