|
| John
Ufner |
| No.
17796 • 18 Aug 1926 - 22 Oct 2004 |
Died
in Stuart, FL
Interred in West Point Post Cemetery, West Point, NY |
Throughout his life, John Ufner was well known, not only for his
wit but also for his ability to make life long friends. All who
knew him still miss him. But there is much more to say about John.
John was born in August 1926 in Lyndora, PA, a small town in western
Pennsylvania. His family later moved to nearby Butler, PA, where
John graduated from high school in 1944. When John was a high school
sophomore, his father died. As a youth, John thought West Point
was only something you read about or saw in the newsreels, and becoming
a cadet was something remote and probably unobtainable. At the time
of his father's passing, however, John’s high school English
teacher gave him a book on West Point to encourage him to pursue
the goal of becoming a cadet. He ultimately won an appointment as
a result of competitive examinations.
After graduating from high school and before entering the Academy,
John served as a private in the Army Reserves. Before entering the
Academy in July 1946, John attended Millard's Preparatory School
in Washington, DC. As his entry in the 1950 Howitzer attests, John
made innumerable friends, was someone whom everyone knew, and ensured
that there never was a dull moment when he was around.
The Military Academy afforded John a wide scope for his athletic
abilities and interests. His major sports achievement was earning
his numerals, monogram, and Major "N' as a member of the baseball
team. In addition, he earned numerals for participating in football
for three years. He also played on the Academy golf team in his
First Class year and won the intramural championship.
As it was for so many of his classmates, John’s transition
from First Classman to combat leader was swift and unexpected. In
August 1950, John arrived in Korea as an infantry platoon leader
with the 21st Infantry Regiment of the 24th Division. For his outstanding
valor in combat, John was awarded the Silver Star and the Bronze
Star. After his Korean War tour, he was assigned as aide de camp
to the commanding general of the Third Armored Division. He served
as aide de camp for one year in Tokyo and in a similar capacity
at Ft. Knox, KY; Camp Rucker, AL; and Ft. Benning, GA.
In 1954, John married the beautiful Marilyn DeMotte in Indianapolis,
IN. Together they became the proud parents of two daughters: Annette
in 1954 and Elizabeth in 1958. The pattern of a strong and loving
family was established early.
John's last military assignment was as assistant G 1 for the 3rd
Division. Afterwards, in 1955, he resigned as a captain. He then
joined the Superior Steel Corporation in Carnegie, PA, before accepting
a position with the Republic Steel Corporation in Detroit, MI, as
assistant district sales manager and then district sales manager
there. These responsibilities were followed by successive positions
as district sales manager in Pittsburgh, PA, and in Cleveland, OH,
finally attaining the status of general manager of sales. His sales
career finally ended when he became vice president, still with Republic
Steel, in charge of the Manufacturing Group. In 1984, he retired
from this position, a happy man with both daughters married and
on their way to success. At this time, he formed John Ufner and
Associates, a consulting group. He then retired again, moving to
Coral Gables, FL, where he continued to play golf, his favorite
sport.
Those who knew John well remember the personal details of his life:
that he liked instant coffee, that neither he nor Marilyn smoked,
and that he did some photography and gardening besides playing golf.
They also remember his golf handicap was an impressive five. During
retirement, traveling was a major activity for the Ufners. Clearly,
he enjoyed both his professional and personal life and had a deep
love for his family. For a time during retirement, when John found
life somewhat boring, he got his broker's license and became associated
with Prudential Bache and then Paine Webber, before finally retiring
for good in Stuart, FL.
On 22 Oct 2004, John died on the golf course, apparently of a heart
attack, doing what he always enjoyed. He left behind his beloved
wife Marilyn, and, in his own words, two wonderful daughters and
five superb grandchildren.
John declared that the Academy was the most influential part of
his life because it instilled in him honor and integrity. When he
learned that he had received his appointment, he did not realize
then that West Point would forever shape his life. He also believed
West Point was a significant factor in helping him to form the close
and lasting personal relationships that he did.
The esteem and respect in which John was held were evident at his
funeral at West Point. In addition to his immediate family, some
of his closest friends from near and far were in attendance. The
funeral ceremony was as expected for one of ours. Prayers, three
rifle volleys, Taps, and presentation of the American flag to Marilyn
took place, after which we walked silently away. It was over, but
John, a loyal son of West Point and true friend to many, will be
long remembered.
-- Family, friends, and classmates
|
USMA 1950