“Loving Father, Grandfather, and Great Grandfatherâ€
Fortified with the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church
John J. Foy, 98 of St. Louis was reunited with his wife on July 20, 2018 surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of the late Agnes Joan (Cusack) Foy and the father of the late Robert Foy and Terrence Foy. John was born in Howard Beach, New York to the late Michael and Margaret Foy on July 4, 1920. He always thought as a small boy that the fireworks were for his birthday. John is survived by 6 of his 8 children, 15 grandchildren, and 25 great grandchildren.
John joined the Naval Air Corps a few days after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. John studied both engineering and pilot training at Syracuse University, University of Richmond, and Chapel Hill, North Carolina. John was assigned to the carrier Ticonderoga and participated in the bombing attacks over Tokyo. he often told the story of how his love for tapioca pudding saved his life. He went back into the ship for a second helping and seconds later the Japanese kamikaze planes hit the deck. John received two distinguished flying crosses, two air medals, seven battle stars on a Pacific War bar, and a Presidential Unit Citation of Excellence. John was a lifelong Knight in the Knights of Columbus.
John returned from the war and worked his way up to Police Captain in the New York City Police Department. He graduated from Fordham University and received his Masters degree from St. John’s University. In his second career as a U.S. Treasury agent, he became the Chief of Intelligence for the IRS in the Midwest Region. He was also and adjunct professor in Criminology for St. Louis University.
John enjoyed retirement and became an avid golf player. He is still remembered for his famous line when he missed the ball, “Oh, for the love of Pete.†He wrote and directed plays in his Florida complex and was an avid reader. He was a political junkie and followed the political and financial news avidly. He was a gentleman, valued for his wise counsel and a mentor to many.
One of our favorite memories took place 25 years ago in Martha’s Vineyard. It was dark with the stars shining. The band began to play “I don’t want to walk without you, babyâ€. John and Agnes got up and danced together under the stars. Now they will never have to dance alone again.
Services: Funeral Mass will be held at Assumption Catholic Church (Mattis Rd.) on Friday, July 27, 11:30 a.m. Interment J.B. National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital appreciated. A KUTIS SOUTH COUNTY SERVICE |