Obituary of John L. Beglan Jr.

John L. Beglan Jr., 91, of Naples FL, passed away on December 28^th, 2022, due to natural causes.

John was born on July 26^th, 1931, to John L. Patrick Beglan and Frances C. Beglan in Yonkers N.Y. After John graduated from Xavier High School in 1949 completing both JROTC and academic programs, he went on to study at the American Institute of Banking, N.Y. at the same time pursued flying lessons at Flushing Airfield.

John enlisted as a Private on November 11^th, 1950, in the U.S. Marine Air Detachment and later was activated to the Korean Conflict in 1951 where he was promoted to Corporal. On June 1st, 1952, John became a Naval Aviation Cadet and later was commissioned Second Lieutenant in 1954 and then First Lieutenant in 1955 where he served active duty until March 1957. By this time John was promoted to Captain and served in the Reserve until 1967.

John joined Eastern Airlines in 1957 where he flew for over 33 years as a passenger airline Captain based in LaGuardia Airport. John Retired in 1990. John also enjoyed participating as an active member with Sons of the Revolution, Military Society of the War of 1812, Veterans Corps of Artillery State of New York (VCANY), Explorers Club, Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States, Society of Colonial Wars, Society of Cincinnati, and Knights of Columbus. While serving the VCANY John achieved the rank of Brigadier General receiving numerous awards: New York State Meritorious Service Medal; New York State Military Commendation Medal; adding to his Federal Decorations: National Defense Service Medal; Marine Corps Reserve Medal; Armed Forces Reserve Medal.

On June 21^st, 1958, John married Rene F. Beglan, also known as Paquita who emigrated from Lima, Peru. Together, they made Kings Park, N.Y. their home for the next 40 years. In 2001 they moved to Princeton Junction, N.J. and then in January 2022 moved to Naples, FL. They raised one child, John Jeffrey Beglan and became proud grandparents to four grandchildren: Christopher, Emily, Thomas, and Jennifer. John and Paquita were married for 64 years and surrounded themselves with many friends and family from all over the world.

Services will be held at Fox Funeral Home on Thursday January 5^th at 8:00am.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Semper Fi & America’s Fund, an organization John felt strongly about. Tribute the gift for John L. Beglan Jr. at https://thefund.org/donate/