John Paul Mercurio's Obituary
John Paul Mercurio, age 92, of Grand Rapids passed away quietly with family on Tuesday, January 13, 2015. He was born January 18, 1922, in Richmond, IN to Anthony and Santa Mercurio. On August 2, 1952 he married Rose Marie Genise in Dearborn and she preceded him in death on October 20, 2005.
John was a member of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church in Belmont and found great peace spending time in prayer. He proudly defended our nation during WWII serving in the Army Air Corp as an Air Plane Power Mechanic. He was initially stationed at Wright Field in aircraft research and later in the South Pacific on Biak Island servicing and repairing aircraft. After the war, John was employed by Ford Motor Company in Dearborn for 36 years and retired as Supervisor in Engine, Dynamometer Research.
John enjoyed reading, spending time outdoors with family, walking, hunting, and fishing. He also loved to prepare and share Italian cuisine with friends and family.
He is survived by Marie A. (Thomas) Kuehl of Rockford, Paul A. (Angela) Mercurio of Plymouth, four grandchildren: Christopher, Matthew, Alexander, and Mitchell. He was preceded in death by two brothers: Joseph and Baptist Mercurio and two sisters: Frances Mercurio and Catherine Ricks.
A funeral liturgy for John will be celebrated 11:00 AM Monday, January 19, 2015 at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary with Rev. Father Peter Vu presiding. Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM – 11:00AM at church with Rosary at 10:30 AM. A Military Honors ceremony will follow Mass. Interment will be in Lake Forest Cemetery in Grand Haven. Memorial contributions in memory of John may be given to the Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org/. Please sign the family’s online guest book at www.vbkfuneralhome.com.
The family is being served by VanZantwick Bartels Kammeraad Funeral Home of Spring Lake.
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