John Edward Sainsbury Jr.

John Edward Sainsbury Jr, 86, died Wednesday, November 17, 2021. He was born October 15, 1935 in Woodlynne, NJ to Margaret Ruth (nee Singer) and John Edward Sainsbury. He and his wife Joanne brought their children to Brevard County in 1973. John served his country in the Navy where he worked as an electronics technician. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Physics with a minor in Theology from La Salle University, a master’s degree in business from Stetson University and a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Rollins College. John worked for RCA, General Electric, Litton, Harris Composition Systems and Documation/StorageTek in the Engineering Capacity. He worked on the Apollo Program helping to develop the Saturn V stabilization system, and the moon lander and worked on GE’s proposal for the space shuttle. After his children became adults, John initiated his career in accounting working first for a small firm in Satellite Beach and then for the Florida State Department of Revenue. John was a dedicated and humble servant of God and served as a moral compass to his community. He served as the first PTA president of Westside Elementary School in Daytona Beach, coached little league and football in Flanders, New Jersey and was a BSA leader in Indian Harbour Beach. In his retirement he began building with Habitat for Humanity and is credited with building more than 300 houses in Brevard County and in 30 states through the Care-a-Vanners. After the passing of his wife Joanne, he was blessed to meet Susan Boarman. They married in 2005 and spent their summers in Mechanicsburg, PA. Eventually, they moved to the Great Outdoors, FL, where they enjoyed fellowship with many of their neighbors through small groups and Bible studies. John travelled the country with Joanne, and went to Europe and Russia with his daughter and son. He often stated that his trip to the Holy Land with Sue was among his most enjoyed adventures. John is survived by his wife Susan, his brother Reverend James (Marilyn), his daughters Judy (Alan) Pollock and Janet Sainsbury, and his sons John, Jeff (Zaida) and Jerry (Bonnie.) He is adored by 6 grandchildren- Jennifer, Chris, Allie, Hunter, Sarah and Emma, as well as four stepsons and many step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren. John was predeceased by his little brother Charles, his parents, his wife of 47 years Joanne, daughter-in-law Mary Ann Mitchell Sainsbury and sisters Margaret (Harry) O’Connor and Elizabeth (William) Ifell. Please join his family for a visitation Sunday, November 21, 2021, from 4-6 pm at Beach Funeral Home 1689 South Patrick Drive Indian Harbour Beach, FL. A celebration of life will take place Monday, November 22, 2021 at Great Outdoors Community Church 144 Plantation Drive Titusville, FL. John lived his life with love for God, his family and had unwavering support for those in need, specially children. In lieu of flowers, you may honor him by donating “in memory of John E Sainsbury” to his chosen local charities: Nana’s House http://nanaschildrenshome.com/donations/ Promise in Brevard https://app.etapestry.com/onlineforms/PromiseInBrevardInc/DonatetoPromise.html