John Credico, a Veteran of WWII, passed away on March 21, 2024 at age 97. John was born April 29, 1926 in Cleveland, Ohio to Anthony and Virginia Credico. At a young age, he worked with his father delivering 25-pound blocks of ice, keeping the iceboxes filled for homes and businesses. He attended Collinwood High School before enlisting in the U.S. Navy at the age of 17. John was on the Landing Ship Tank LST 137 and participated in the Amphibious forces on D-Day. He was a gunner on the Landing Craft Vehicle Personnel LCVP, carrying troops to Gold Beach on Normandy. And carried wounded soldiers off the beaches to Navy hospital ships. While serving in the Navy, John sent incredible letters home to his future wife, Josephine Apruzzese, expressing his feelings for her and shared entertaining stories of his shipmates.

After the war, John returned home and married Josephine on August 23, 1947 and together they raised four children. They remained married for 69 years until Josephine passed away in 2016. John was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and uncle and a friend to everyone he met. He was generous, kind, thoughtful and positive. He truly was a glass-half-full person. He checked in on everyone and was sincere in his interest in what others had to say. He was the best listener. He loved his family and he loved people.

John and Josephine enjoyed traveling outside of the country. His favorite pastime was camping and together they traveled in their camper throughout the states. John was an avid runner and ran in races through his 60s and into his 70s. He was self educated, loved to read, and for years he read a book a week. He became an executive in sales until retiring in 1998. After retirement John and Josephine relocated to Humboldt County to live near their daughters. John enjoyed golfing and loved the ocean, enjoying walks on the beach with Josephine. They loved watching their grandchildren and great-grandchildren play sports and they were always seen holding hands.

In retirement John volunteered at Pacific Union Elementary School, helping in the classrooms and lunchroom. He eventually accepted a position as the school crossing guard, a job he cherished for several years. He loved the children and became good friends with many of the parents. At Halloween he was known for handing out large-size candy bars, and it was obvious that their home was the most popular home on the block. John eventually left Pacific Union School and began working at Sunny Brae Animal Clinic, welcoming and assisting clients at the door. He officially retired from employment at the age of 93.

Our hearts are broken, but we are comforted in our belief that our dad and mom are once again holding hands. Dad’s words, a few days before he passed, “I was lucky. I had a good life.”

John was preceded in death by his wife Josephine and his siblings. He is survived by his children: daughter and son–in-law, Diana and Jay Hight, son John Credico, son and daughter–in-law, Tony and Robyn Credico, daughter Vincetta Borges; grandchildren, Jason and Ally Hight, Jocelyn and Adam Figas, Stacie and Pedro Valdez, Taylor Borges, Justin Credico, Jason and Sharon Credico, Jeena and Scott Koenig and Drew Credico; his many great grandchildren, Luci, Jaron, Cadence, Calahan, Hayden, Taya, Sophie, Sophia, Cameron and Beckham and his loving nieces and nephews.

Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 30 at 4 p.m. at Baywood Country Club in Bayside, Ca. Donations can be made to the following Veteran’s organizations, Fisher House Foundation and Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund or a veteran organization of your choice.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of John Credico’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.