John Michael Lenti

On April 13, 2025, Colonel John M. Lenti joined his beloved wife, Janice and his family with the Lord, for all eternity.

Colonel Lenti was born in Brooklyn, New York on January 24, 1937. His parents, Gabriele and Eileen, were immigrants from Italy and Syria, respectively, arriving as young adults in the United States. The family was of modest means materially, but the life of he and his younger sister, Julie, was filled with love and affection. This love and affection was rekindled in his own family with his marriage to the late Janice Claire Kron on December 31, 1960, and the birth of their five children.

Though it created a financial hardship for his parents, they enrolled him at Brooklyn Preparatory School, a private Catholic high school, sponsored by the Jesuits. This family decision gave him the foundation of a classical education and the opportunity to engage in sports, especially football. Upon graduation, he attended Fordham University. The University terminated its intercollegiate football participation the following year. He then sought an appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point and entered with the Class of 1960, graduating in June 1960 as a second lieutenant, Infantry.

He always spoke of the two fateful decisions in his life that set his course. His decision to enter West Point and his subsequent marriage of 55 years to his beloved Janice. He went on to have a very successful career as a professional soldier despite significant health issues after service in Vietnam.

After graduation, he attended the Basic Officer Infantry course and became airborne and Ranger qualified at Fort Benning, GA. After his marriage in December, he received orders and assignment to the 3rd Inf Division in Germany as a rifle platoon leader and eventually, an infantry company commander. Europe gave him and Janice an opportunity to travel. Visits included most of Germany, France and Italy. In 1962, the first of his two daughters, Jacqui, was born and a year later Suzanne.

Upon return to America, he was assigned to the U.S. Army 3rd Special Forces Group at Fort Bragg, N.C. His two sons, John A. and Michael, were born at Fort Bragg. Upon completing the Infantry Career Course at Ft. Benning in 1967, he was assigned as a military advisor to the Vietnamese Airborne Division, Adv Team 162, where he was engaged in combat operations. He had a distinguished combat record being awarded the Combat Infantry Badge, a Purple Heart and several US and VN awards for gallantry to include the Silver Star, Bronze Star with "V" device, the Army Commendation Ribbon with "V" device and the VN Cross of Gallantry with Palm. He received other awards and decorations during his career including 4 awards of the Legion of Merit. He finished his active-duty career as a master parachutist.

Upon his return to the United States and promotion to Major, he was assigned to the Staff and Faculty at West Point teaching Leadership and Tactics. He considered the high point of his tour at USMA the birth of his fifth child and third daughter, Stefanie.

While attending the Command and General Staff College in 1970, he fell ill as a result of his exposure to Agent Orange during combat operations in VN. He was reassigned to USMA and underwent four years of chemotherapy. In 1976, as a Lt. Colonel, he was assigned to Fort Jackson and subsequently commanded the U.S. Army Reception Station before his assignment to Fort Monroe, VA, as the Assistant to the Chief of Staff of the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC). In 1982, as a Colonel, he returned to Fort Jackson, with duties as the Senior Army Advisor; 120 ARCOM and then the DPCA for the post. He retired in June 1986 after 30 years of service as a cadet and commissioned officer and joined the Darla Moore School of Business at USC as an adjunct professor and director of the statewide Frank L. Roddey Small Business Development program.

In 1994, he was promoted to Major General by the Governor and commanded the S.C. Guard until his retirement in 1996. Upon his retirement from the State Guard, he became the Chairman and CEO of the Celebrate Freedom Foundation, an organization dedicated to the education of youth and honoring the military past, present and future. As a human being, he was most proud of his steadfast adherence to the oaths he took at West Point to defend the nation and his marriage vows to his beloved Janice. He never wavered from these responsibilities.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Janice Lenti. He is survived by his five children, Jacqui Desmond (Jim), Suzanne Bacon (Bruce), John A. Lenti (Kathy), Michael Lenti (Kristine), and Stefanie Poyck (Kevin). He is also survived by his 19 grandchildren, Drew Desmond (Josie), Connor Desmond (Eleanor), Brittney Desmond, Savannah Bacon, Coleman Bacon, Sierra Raine Bacon, Saylor Bacon, Julianne Isaac (Mitchell), John Michael Lenti II, Rebecca Carr (Eddie), Kathryn Lenti, Meredith Nortz (Alex), Danielle Lenti, Natalie Skiff (Alex), Heather Lenti, Anthony Lenti, Michael Lenti, Griffin Poyck (Lindsey), and Lauren Poyck. He is also survived by his seven great-grandchildren, Libby Desmond, Isabella Isaac, Elayna Isaac, Eddie Carr IV, Foster Nortz, Hudson Nortz, and Brooks Nortz. He is also survived by his sister, Julie Danielson (Dean), and his two nephews, Dean John and David Danielson (Karin) and their children, Kendall and Kellan.

Adamant in his conviction that education was the key to success in America, he ensured all his children had college educations. He further counselled all his grandchildren on the importance of a solid education, especially his granddaughters. He insisted that his children and their children become productive citizens of this nation that had given him and his family so much opportunity. He considered it an obligation and a duty to repay the debt. His love and counsel will always be with his family. He was the epitome of the Jesuit motto "Pro Deo et Patria" (For God and Country).

Rest in peace, Dad. You earned it...

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 9:00 a.m. Wednesday, April 16, 2025 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, followed by burial with full military honors in Fort Jackson National Cemetery at 11:00 a.m. The Rosary will be recited from 5:00 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. with visitation following until 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, please make donation to Celebrate Freedom.

Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com.