John "Jack" Damyen

OTTAWA – John “Jack” Damyen, age 84, of Ottawa, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family Sunday afternoon, July 8, 2012, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center, Peoria.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, July 13, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Columba Church with Reverend David M. Kipfer celebrating.  Interment will follow in Oakwood Memorial Park with military rites by the Ottawa Veterans Organization.  Visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, July 12 ^th , with Rosary at 2:45 p.m. at Gladfelter Funeral Home.  Pallbearers will be Tyler and Scott Damyen, Tony Hougas, Shawn Duffy, Gary Stohl and Guy Ford.

John was born December 7, 1927 in Ottawa, a son of John S. and Katherine (Ecimovich) Damyen.  He married Sharon Meyer on February 7, 1959 at St. Columba Church.  He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Sharon, of Ottawa; children, Kayla (Brent) Zaccagnini of Ottawa, Karla Hellman and David Damyen of Ottawa, John (Sue) Damyen of Ottawa, and Joe Damyen of Vista, CA; grandchildren, Bridgett (Tony) Hougas, Jessica (Neil) LaRubbio, Alyssa (Shawn) Duffy, Tyler Damyen, Paige Hellman, and Taylor Damyen; seven great grandchildren; a brother, Edward Damyen of Ottawa; and sisters, Katherine Nichols of Streator, Ann Harding of Ottawa, and Fran Fuller of Ottawa.  One sister, Marie Capitani, preceded him in death.

John was a retired supervisor at Libbey Owens Ford.  He proudly served his country as a Sergeant in the United States Air Force.  He was a member of St. Columba Church and the American Legion where he served on the Honor Guard.  His hobbies included gardening, fishing, and cooking, especially on the grill.  Memorial contributions may be directed to the family for a cause to be designated at a later date.