John Joseph Clement's Obituary
John Joseph Clement (October 4, 1919 – August 19, 2023) 103 years old.
John was born in Brooklyn, New York, an orphan and was adopted May 26, 1924 by Pietro and
Fortunata Clemente. John excelled at school and was very good with math and English. Dad’s first job
was at the age of 8 in the neighborhood pharmacy stocking shelves. John held many jobs in the next
years prior to WWII; shining shoes and shoe repair, dry cleaning plant, and scraping floors. He then
worked with a General Contractor, as carpenter, painter, mason and plumber. After graduating High
School in 1935, Dad went on to sell Sewing Machines. Dad met Violet Frey in April of 1940. They
Married in 1942 and had two sons John J Clement Jr and William S Clement.
In December 1940. Dad enlisted to serve in World War II, in the US Army, 1st Division, Big Red One, in
the Anti-Tank Division. Dad served overseas for three years. He went over on the Queen Mary in
1942. Dad was a natural leader and fought in three Major Campaigns: North Africa (Tunisia), Sicily
and D-Day Normandy on Omaha Beach in one of the first waves on the beachhead. Dad was
wounded by an artillery shell on Omaha Beach and evacuated to England to a Convalescent Center.
To which he was later assigned as “Operations Sergeant” of the Convalescent Center. During those
campaigns Dad was awarded the Purple Heart for being wounded on Omaha Beach and the Bronze
Star with an Oak Leaf Cluster which means twice for Bravery. The Bronze Star is awarded for heroic
achievement and meritorious service in a combat zone.
After the War Dad attended the Academy of Advanced Traffic and graduated top of his class. He then
continued for an additional year and acquired Practitioners status which allowed him to practice
Interstate Traffic Law before the Interstate Commerce Commission. Dad held several jobs until in
1952 he started work with Singer Sewing Machine. He went on to work for Best Foods / CPC
International achieving the position of Director of Transportation. Along the way Dad also was:
Secretary Canned Goods Grocery Council, Treasurer ICC Practitioners Assoc NY, Chairmen Grocery
Mfg. Assoc., Member National freight Traffic Assoc., and President Grocery Pallet Council.
Dad was employed by CPC International, Director of Transportation for over 35 yrs. His wife Violet
(born May 15, 1923) passed away November 20, 1980.
Dad met Loren Marie Ryan and they were married Aug 19, 1983. Dad and Loren retired July 1, 1984.
Loren brought four children to the marriage: Neil, Sheila, Barbara and Linda. Dad and Loren had 33
wonderful years together. They relocated from New Jersey to Florida and traveled the world
together. They both loved to travel life, living in Florida and their Cabin in the Poconos and visiting
their sons, daughters and grandchildren. Loren passed May 16, 2016.
Dad is survived by his sons: John J Clement Jr, wife Maggie and daughter Stephanie; William S
Clement, wife Mary Ellen and sons Ian, Connor and Eric; Neil Ryan, wife Tracy and daughter Celia;
Sheila Larson and husband Jim and daughters Corinne and Krista, son Garrett; Barbara Octavia (Ryan)
and Mike; Linda Ryan and son Peter.
Dad will be remembered for his love and support of his family and children, his devotion and love to
his wife, his many accomplishments in life and business, and the lessons in life taught to each of us.
Dad, we remember your wise words “Be Good and Be Happy”.
Services will be held at Skyway Memorial Funeral Home on September 30, 2023 at 10:00 a.m.
Skyway Memorial Funeral Home
5200 US Hwy 19 N
Palmetto, FL 34221
https://www.skywaymemorial.com/
Donations in lieu of flowers to: ASPCA - The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to
Animals at: https://www.aspca.org/ Or The Humane Society of the United States: https://www.humanesociety.org/
What’s your fondest memory of John?
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Share a story where John's kindness touched your heart.
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