John Paul Reuben Gose

Gose, John Paul Reuben “Jack” 96, passed away on Monday, June 2, 2025 in Saint Petersburg, Florida where he lived for many years. John was the only child born to Anna Harman and John P. Gose in N. Tazewell, VA on December 18, 1928. John attended Tazewell Elementary School in Tazewell VA and Gorrie Junior High School in Jacksonville, FL. John enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1946 at the age of 17 and was honorably discharged in 1948 with the rank of Technical Sergeant. John graduated from Tazewell High School in Tazewell, VA 1948, then attended the University of Tampa, University of Miami, University of Southern California and UCLA in Los Angeles, CA. Additionally, John attended Bluefield Business College in Bluefield, WV. John married the love of his life Patsy Jean Cowan on September 15, 1951 and resided in Bluefield, WV. Patsy and John later moved to Roanoke, VA where their three sons were born (Gary 1953, Roger 1955, Alan 1958) in Roanoke Memorial Hospital. John was employed with Kroger Supermarket as a produce manager, trainer and ultimately manager in Roanoke VA 1953-1962. John started Gose Boys Supermarket in Roanoke, VA 1962, and ultimately sold the business moving the family to Tampa, FL 1963. John held various positions in the Supermarket Industry and managed a Food Fair Supermarket in Tampa, FL 1963-1967. John started a career with the United States Post Office in 1967 as a Special Delivery Messenger and happily retired in 1992 with 25 years of service. John was an extremely strong leader and dedicated member of the American Postal Workers Union. John was the Suncoast Area APWU Local 1228 treasurer for 18 years and the Master Sergeant at Arms at the Unions National Conventions for 22 years from 1978-2000 when Moe Biller was National Union President. John helped start the APWU Nationwide Expansion of the Local Retirees Union Chapters that now cover the United States that help APWU retirees and their family members. John was founder of Suncoast Area Local Retirees Chapter and APWU of Florida State Retirees Chapter President. John is a member of Pasadena Community Church in Saint Petersburg, FL.  John is survived by Sons Gary Reuben, Roger Cowan and Alan John, Grandsons Adam Cowan and Kai Reuben, Granddaughter Emily Margaret and Great-Granddaughter Tatum Marie. John is predeceased by Granddaughter Monique R. Gose and Loving Wife Patsy Jean Cowan Gose. John loved everyone, especially his wife and children, grandchildren and great-granddaughter. John additionally loved his union family and friends. Respected and honored our country, U.S. Military and U.S. Veterans. John liked politics, the internet, news, sports, movies, exquisite restaurants and traveling around the States and World. Viewing on Friday, June 6th  between 5:30-6:30 pm at Anderson McQueen, 7820-38th Ave. N., Saint Petersburg, FL. Celebrate a Life at Pasadena Methodist Church services, (TBA). Interment at Bay Pines National Cemetery Columbarium TBA. All doctors, nurses, hospice, veterans and friends are invited to celebrate his life with the Gose Boys and family. Flowers and donations to Hospice welcomed.