John Alex Deszo
April 14, 1937 - January 16, 2008
Obituary
John DESZO
Born April 14, 1937, in Cleveland, Ohio to John and Priscilla Deszo and passed away January 16, 2008, in Seattle, from complication of Alzheimer’s Disease. John graduated from Case Western University in Cleveland with a Mechanical Engineering degree. He went to work for Boeing upon graduating and retired from there after 35 years of service in 1995. John was married to and survived by his loving and devoted wife, Sharry, the love of his life, by his children, Mary Deszo, John C. Deszo, Richard Deszo, Mark Deszo and Brian Deszo Cassie and his four step-sons, Jim Heckt Becky, Rick Heckt, Steve Heckt Anne-Marie and Andrew Heckt Ingrid. He is also survived by his eleven grandchildren, two step-granddaughters, three great-grandchildren and his sister and brother-in-law, Dorothy and David Stawski, one niece, two nephews and several cousins. Preceded in death by his parents. John had a diverse and exciting career with Boeing. In the early 1960s he helped put the astronauts on the moon working at the Mississippi test site perfecting the rocket engines that propelled the Apollo and Saturn Space Crafts. His great thrill was watching the launchings from Cape Canaveral. Later he became a test captain for the Boeing Jetfoil program which allowed him to travel the world training the captains of the purchased Jetfoils. His greatest joy however, was his family. He was a true adventurer and loved being in the outdoors. He was a skilled open water kayaker, a scuba diver and a hiker. He loved walking beaches and looking for and collecting all kinds of interesting things found on the beach including Japanese glass floats. A special celebration of John’s life was held on Friday, January 18 at 3:00 at Salty’s on Alki. His family and wife wish to thank all the staff at Sunrise on Mercer Island for their constant love and selfless care of John through the past 15 months as he struggled with Alzheimer’s. In lieu of flowers, please send memorials in John’s name to Kennydale United Methodist Church Building fund, 3005 Park Ave. North, Renton, WA 98056; any Alzheimer’s research program; or Evergreen Hospices Services, 12822 124th Lane NE, Kirkland, WA 98034 whose dedicated staff made his final journey one of peace and love, preparing him for his next and greatest adventure. Please sign the online memorial guestbook at www.bonneywatson.com.
I have just learned, 2 months later, of John’s passing. I cherish the times of seeing him at Sunrise when I visited my mom-in-law, Elinor. I remember the wonderful birthday party his whole family put on at Sunrise, seeing him and Sherry at the bar-b-ques on the patio last summer, and his smiles when I brought my dog to Sunrise. Reading his obit, I realize what an amazing man he was and the incredible family he had.
Peace and prayers for Sherry and his family from Dave and Trella
I worked with John on Saturn and the Boats. The good old days.
I am very sorry to read of the passing of Mr. Deszo.I have fond memories sharing meals with John and the rest of the Deszo family when I was growing up with Richard.I know that he was a very kind, warm and loving man.My prayers and condolences got out to the entire family.
I miss my dad, especially the talks we used to have!!