John M. DeGon

John M. DeGon, Sr., age 78, passed away on November 13, 2023, at his Venice, FL home surrounded by his family. He was born in Worcester, MA on June 7, 1945, to Edwin and Philomena (Capuano) DeGon. After John graduated from St. John’s High School in Shrewsbury, MA in 1963, he enlisted in the US Air Force, serving four years and attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. John attended Worcester State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in 1987 and a master’s degree in 1990. John was Corporate Director of Human Resources for Montrose CDT in Auburn, MA, retiring 20 years ago. In Worcester, John served as president of the Thomas Ash Little League, introduced and formed a street hockey league in the neighborhood youth center called Friendly House. He also bartended at the neighborhood bar and restaurant AJ Club/City Lights for many years. In Venice, John was the president of the Independent Golf League at Lake Venice Golf Course. He worked many years at Lake Venice on the third nine as a starter and also worked in the cart barn. John won the Club Championship at Lake Venice one year. He was also an active member of Moose Lodge 1308. John received an Honoree Recognition in 2016 from the Bay Indies Community for his volunteer work. He was instrumental in the development and the approval of the pickle ball courts, and getting approval to have a golf net installed to practice hitting golf balls. He was a member of the Bay Indies Christmas Decorating Committee for many years. His hobbies included golf, chess, backgammon, and cribbage, and cheering for his favorite sports teams. Spending time with his grandchildren was his favorite pastime. Surviving family members include his wife of 54 years, Diane Grenier DeGon; sons John M. DeGon, Jr. (Tracy) and William J. DeGon; daughter Cheryl DeGon Nelson (John); grandchildren Nicholas DeGon, Colin DeGon, Jilliann DeGon, Christina Nelson, Caileigh DeGon, Michael Nelson, Kaitlin DeGon, Matthew Nelson, Courtney Fullen Potenti (Scott), Lexie Fullen and Patrick Fullen; great grandson AJ Potenti; brother Salvatore C. DeGon (Carol) of Venice, FL and brother in law Dennis Muzzy (Lori) of Rangeley, ME. John was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Philomena DeGon; brother Marvin E. DeGon, Jr.; and sister Pauline DeGon Tasse. Memorial contributions can be made to TideWell Hospice Care. A Celebration of Life will be held at Bay Indies in the Indies Hall on January 24, 2024, at 2:00 pm. Later, in May 2024, a Celebration of Life will be held in Massachusetts.