John Joseph Dooley

John is survived by the love of his life, Celeste (Hofstadt) Dooley, his wife of almost 75 years. He will also be missed by his devoted son James and daughter-in-law Ann Marie, his cherished grandchildren Lori and Mike Cerrone, Kathleen Dooley, Jodi and Rob Owens and Kelly Dooley and special great grandchildren Isabella and Evan Owens. John was predeceased by his son John, his brother James and sister, Margaret as well as several nieces and nephews.

John waived a military deferment he had for defense work he was doing and served in the Army Aircorp during WW II. As a pilot with the 39th T.C. Sqd Jungle Skippers, he flew many missions delivering supplies to the guerillas behind enemy lines in New Guinea, Tarawa, the Philippines, Okinawa and Korea. He was the second airplane to land in Japan at the end of the war.

After his retirement in the metro New York area, he moved to Ft Lauderdale where he was active on the Board of his co-op association for many years. He was a friend and mentor to many at his condo and at his church, St Pius X where he served as an usher and in the choir for most of his years there. He was also an active member of the Knights of Columbus.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St Vincent details Paul at St Pius X Church in Ft Lauderdale.

Arrangements under the direction of Kraeer-Fairchild Funeral Home and Cremation Center, Fort Lauderdale, Florida.