John Edward Gantley

After 26 years of active duty, Jack retired as Chief, Strategic Planning and Guidance Division, S0j5, Unit Special Operations Command, at MacDill Air Force base. Jack was commissioned as an Ensign in 1969. After serving on the USS Ogden he transitioned to Naval Special Warfare (NSW) by graduating Basic Demolition/Seal (Buds/s) Training in April 1971. As a Navy SEAL, Jack continued in that Warfare Specialty throughout his Naval Career, progressing through the ranks as Platoon Commander at UDT-Twenty-One, Assistant Officer in Charge Naval Inshore Warfare Task Unity Europe, and Operations Officer as Seal Team. Captain Gantley served as Task Group Commander of Mobile Sea Bases in Operation "Earnest Will" the Northern Persian Gulf in the late 1980s. Captain Gantley's decorations include Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Vietnam Service Ribbon with One Star, Navy and Marine Corp Overseas Ribbon with Two Stars, among many others. After his retirement from the Navy, Jack was a consultant at the United States Special Operations Command for 13 years, developing, resourcing and fielding combatant maritime crafts for the Country's Special Operations Forces.

Jack was a 1964 graduate of Archbishop Williams High School in Braintree, MA where he was inducted into the AWHS 2010 Athletic Hall of Fame for football. His team captured 3 state championships and earned him many individual All State, All Conference and All Catholic awards and an All American Honorable Mention. He continued his exemplary football career at the U.S. Naval Academy as a starting guard. He graduated from the Academy in 1969 with a Bachelor of Science Degree. He loved Navy football and cherished his many friends. He was a member of the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association, serving as President from 1997-1998.

Jack and his family lived in Seminole , Florida for the last 20 years. He and his beloved wife, Michelle (Shelly), would have celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary on September 5, 2011. He was a loving father and devoted sports Dad to his children, Sean and Christina, particularly enjoying their athletic careers at St. Petersburg Catholic High School. He was an active member of the SPCHS Booster Club.

Jack was a devout Catholic who attended daily mass and delivered the Eucharist to the local hospital on Sundays. He was a member of the Holy Cross Parish Finance Committee. Jack also volunteered as a shuttle driver for the veterans Administration Hospital and delivered food to the poor for St. Vincent DePaul Society.

In addition to his wife and children, Jack leaves his father, John L. Gantley of Weymouth, MA and his wife Elizabeth. His brother: Robert of Bradenton, FL (wife-Julie) (niece and great niece, Erica and Keira). He was pre-deceased by his mother: Mary (Fassino) Gantley. He also leaves many other loving relatives and friends.

Jack was unconditionally devoted to God, his family, countless friends and his country. He was known and loved for his humility, generosity, sense of humor, intelligence, courage and strength.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday Sept 10, 2011 at 1 pm at Holy Cross Catholic Church in St. Petersburg. Committal services with full military honors will follow at Serenity Gardens Memorial Park in Largo FL. Visitation hours are scheduled for Friday Sept 9, 2011 from 4 to 8 pm at Moss Feaster Funeral Home Serenity Gardens Chapel in Largo - (727) 562-2080.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warriors Foundation or St. Vincent dePaul Society as tribute.