John Michael Vasil

John Michael Vasil

May 1, 1947 - October 26, 2022

Flowers are limited at the ceremony at Calverton, so we encourage you instead to make a Memorial Donation to Vietnam Veterans of America, or to honor him in another way that is meaningful to you.

John Vasil passed away on Wednesday, October 26, 2022, of natural causes, beloved and respected by every single person who knew him.

Son of Eastern European immigrants, John was born on May 1, 1947, in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, New York. Oldest of five, he attended the prestigious Brooklyn Tech High School and enjoyed auto and motorcycle mechanics. He drove and maintained (and sometimes street-raced) muscle cars and rode a chopped Triumph motorcycle (first of many). Professionally he worked as a field engineer for Unisys, manually repairing large computer systems.

Faced with potential draft during the Vietnam War, John chose instead to enlist in the United States Marine Corps, because he wanted to serve with the Best. In boot camp, John graduated atop his platoon class. His award included a dress blues uniform. After training in Camp Lejeune, he served with the Headquarters Battery in the 4th Battalion 12th Marines 3rd Division (HqBtry 4/12) with the Motor Transport as a mechanic. This specialty was in high demand, which is maybe why he chose to serve two consecutive tours without leave, spending 13 months in combat before being honorably discharged in March of 1968. While at war, John was lauded with a Meritorious Mast and Navy Achievement Medal with Combat V – both awards for outstanding service and bravery.

From home improvement projects and rebuilding transmissions to beautiful handwriting and perfect gift wrapping (and unwrapping without a tear), John could do anything with expertise. He was intelligent and well-written, could mend a torn and twisted 99-cent cassette tape, and his holiday decorations made his yard the envy of neighbors. And while he was of fewer words than most, his love language was definitely Acts of Service. He selflessly put everyone before himself, dropping everything to lend a hand to friends and family in need. He loved to tend to the grill and was a master Sunday meatball maker. He was a football fan and enjoyed catching baseball games on TV with his dad.

John was a thoughtful, pragmatic and gentle soul, but a fierce protector of those he loved — he described himself as “laid back and quiet, until provoked.” All these qualities made him the best father — and the coolest around, according to his daughters’ friends. He offered sound advice to teach them everything, to make them feel strong and special, and to help them transcend heartbreak. He was always their Valentine. Whether on the back of his motorcycle, being guided by him as they learned to ride a bike or escorted up on the roof to watch him hang Christmas lights, they were never afraid when he was with them. Unsurprisingly, he was also a dog-whisperer, beloved by all the canines in his life.

Despite his pride in his service, PTSD from Vietnam plagued John throughout his life. In 2019 he checked himself into the VA’s inpatient care, where he worked with many selfless advocates to bring his demons to the surface and battle them. This was perhaps his finest act of courage. Sadly, he lived with this grief until the end. All those who loved him navigated his fierce humility and pride to support and guide him during this time of suffering. He may have faded over these particularly hard few years, but this love kept him alive. He could have left anytime it was too unbearable to stay, but instead, he was able to pass peacefully of natural causes, which was his wish.

John is survived by daughters Victoria, Lauren and Kylee, sisters Patricia (with her husband, Bob) and Christine, brother Michael, and stepdaughters Samantha and Lauren. He is survived by Rachael, former spouse and mother of Victoria and Lauren, and Jamie, former spouse and mother of Kylee, Samantha and Lauren. He is survived by many nieces and nephews. He was a father, brother and son to many beyond his blood, leaving behind countless extended family, friends and military brothers. His death was preceded by parents Jean and John, and brother Ronald.

He will be buried – wearing those same dress blues he was awarded in boot camp, with his corporal stripes properly affixed – in Calverton National Cemetery after an honor ceremony from the Marine Corps, in the presence of those he loved the hardest, who all loved him back with equal fervor.

We will honor John at Alexander Rothwell Funeral Home at 6447 Route 25A in Wading River, NY 11792 from 12-1:30 on November 2, 2022, followed by a ceremony at Calverton National Cemetery at 2pm.