Obituary of John C. Fay

Smethport - John C. Fay, 83, of, Smethport, died Saturday (January 3, 2009) in the Bradford Regional Medical Center, Bradford, PA.He was born Sept. 11, 1925 in Smethport, PA, a son of Urben and Jessie John Carter Fay. On Feb. 20, 1946, in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, he married Jeannette M. Nunley, who preceded him in death.Mr. Fay attended Smethport schools and entered the U.S. Marine Corps in 1943. He was in World War II, serving with aviation units in the Pacific area. During the Korean Conflict, he served with the 1st Marine Division in 1952. He also was stationed with the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing in 1958, in Japan. During his military career, Mr. Fay attained the rank of Gunnery Sgt., and retired from active duty as Helicopter Maintenance Chief from the Naval Air Station, Willow Grove, PA, on March 31, 1963, after 20 years of service. He had served in said position since 1959 at Willow Grove, PA. His awards include the Asiatic-Pacific Medal, American Area Medal, WWII Victory Medal, Korean Service Medal with 3 stars, National Defense Service Medal, Korean PUC, and the Good Conduct Medal (6 Awards).In civilian life, Mr. Fay was a Field Service Representative, employed by the Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation of Stratford, CT. He had been employed there for 23 years, before retiring in 1987. During his tenure at Sikorsky, he had been a consultant for the U.S. Navy's helicopters on the east coast. Ultimately, he worked with the U.S. Coast Guard, consulting and developing techniques for testing and inspection/maintenance that were adopted by both military and commercial production facilities to promote safety. Mr. Fay's expert opinions were used on determining causes of Coast Guard helicopter accidents and flight incidents, and how to correct them. His dedication and knowledge not only benefited the U.S. Coast Guard, but also the general public. For his dedication and expertise, he was awarded the U.S. Coast Guard Meritorious Public Service Award. This award was given to Mr. Fay, even though he was a civilian.Mr. Fay was a member of the Loyal Order of The Moose.Mr. Fay was a kind, loving & generous man who touched not only his family's lives but also those of virtually everyone he had encountered. He always had a kind word to say about everyone, was always willing to help those in need, and sought no personal recognition for his varied accomplishments & acts of kindness. He will be greatly missed.He is survived by three daughters:, Sheryl A. Braca of Bridgeport, CT, Annette M. Stigler of Spring, TX , Jocelyn Eisenhuth of Clearwater, FL one son: John C. Fay, II of Houston, TX12 Grandchildren; 3 Great Grandchildrenone sister: Anna Marie Transki of Wellsville, NYone brother: Richard Fay of Middletown, PASeveral nieces and nephewsIn addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by 1 sister, and 2 brothersVisitation will be held on Friday from 2-4 and 6-8 P.M. at Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., 2 Bank St., Smethport, PA. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 am, Saturday, in St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church, with the Rev. Vincent P. Cieslewicz, pastor, as celebrant. Committal and Military Honors will be held in St. Elizabeth Cemetery, Smethport. A Christian Wake service will be conducted at 3:30 pm, Friday, in the funeral home.Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Smethport.