John Leo Garrison

With his five children gathered around him, John Leo Garrison, 79, of Longwood, FL passed on March 26, 2011 while in residence at Hospice of the Comforter after a short illness. John was born on February 27, 1932 to Leo M. and Gladys (Reynolds) Garrison in New York City, New York. He is a 1950 graduate of All Hollows High School (Bronx, NY). He attended and graduated from Columbia University in 1954. During his academic years, he was an avid football player and suited up for both schools. John entered the U.S. Air Force and received his pilot's wings on November 18, 1955. He served with distinction for 27 years and is a Vietnam era Veteran. He flew the KC 97 and then the KC 135 aircraft among others. He was retired in the rank of lieutenant colonel from his final assignment as the senior U.S. Air Force advisor to the Wisconsin Air National Guard. His highest award was the U.S. Air Force Commendation Medal. As a sportsman, he coached his sons' youth football teams and was an avid golfer. He and his wife, the former Jeanne O'Brien who preceded him in death, were founding members of Annunciation Catholic Church. John valued education and worked tirelessly to support Catholic education in Orlando. He is survived by his brother, Charles E. of Valley Cottage, NY and his children: Jeanne Marie (Peter) Rowan of Fairfax, VA; John Jr. (Janet Estes) of Fort Worth, TX; Donald (Kathy Shroyer) of Clarksville, MD; Debra Ann Fiorentino (Greg) of Apex, NC; and Karen Lee Reecy (Steve) of Tallahasse, FL, fifteen grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Family will be receiving friends from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, Tuesday, March 29th at DeGusipe Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, March 30th at 10 AM at Annunciation Catholic Church, 1020 Montgomery Road, Altamonte Springs, FL., with Father Charles Deeney as the celebrant. Internment is at 2:00 p.m. at the Florida National Cemetery (Bushnell). In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in memory of John to Annunciation Catholic Academy, c/o Fr. Charlie ACA Fundraiser, 592 Jamestown Blvd., Altamonte Springs, FL 32714; Air Force Aid Society, Inc. National Headquarters, 241 18th Street, Suite 202, Arlington, VA 22202 or at www.afas.org; or Hospice of the Comforter, 605 Montgomery Road, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714 or at www.hospiceofthecomforter.org or your local hospice chapter. Arrangements entrusted to DeGusipe Funeral Home 9001 N. Orlando Ave. Maitland, FL 32751, Please visit www.DeGusipeFuneralHome.com to leave a special condolence.

John Leo Garrison

February 27, 1932 - March 26, 2011