Jon Frederick Arrington

“He was the kindest, most gentle, generous human being God ever put on this earth and he was my everything. I cannot imagine my life without him. He made every day of my life seem like waking up on Christmas morning. He wrapped his arms around me and protected me from the world. My sweet, sweet Jon died on the morning of February 18th at 9:35 in the house he built with his own hands, in the bedroom we shared for nearly 30 years.”

Jon Frederick Arrington, 71, passed away on Wednesday February 18, 2015. He is survived by his wife, Francine; his daughter Monty Iemma (Mike) of Cuyahoga Falls, OH; his son Roger Corrington (Samantha) of Ladysmith, BC; his three beautiful grandchildren, Alexandria, Jack and Georgia; his sister Jan Marie Elliott of Wadsworth, Ohio; and his aunt, Sandra Wallace of Barberton, OH.

Jon was born in Akron, OH. He attended Hower Vocational School and upon graduation, enlisted in the US Marine Corps where he proudly served from 1961 to 1967. He returned to Ohio and lived there until moving to Florida in 1979. He worked for various contractors at Kennedy Space Center, eventually going to work for NASA in 1988 and retiring in 2010. During his time at NASA he worked on 105 space shuttle missions receiving numerous awards for excellence and dedication to his work.

Jon was a man of simple pleasures, taking great pride in his family, home life, and career in the space program.

A memorial service will be held at Arlington National Cemetery upon his inurnment at a day and time yet to be determined.

Arrangements are being handled by Wylie-Baxley Funeral Services. Friends and family may share memories and sign the online guest book at www.wyliebaxleymerrittisland.com

Donations in Jon’s honor can be made to VITAS Hospice, 4450 W. Eau Gallie Blvd., Suite 250, Melbourne, FL 32934 or online at www.vitas.com