JOHN LESTER BLOORE
died peacefully on Thursday, March 16, 2023.
John was born on May 9, 1936, to Cynthia Burrowes Bloore and John William Bloore in Brooklyn, N.Y. His family lived in Brooklyn, South Hempstead, and Roosevelt, N.Y., before settling in Bellmore.
The middle of three children, John’s chores at home included drying dishes. It was a skill he perfected early and continued to use in his family’s kitchen throughout his life. In his youth, John’s hobbies included bowling, ceramics and swimming. He was a diligent worker and for two summers worked as a lifeguard at Jones Beach on Long Island (earning $1.10/hour). Unfortunately, those wages got diminished on account of his passion for fast driving, which resulted in some expensive ($25!) traffic violations.
Perhaps inspired by those brushes with the authorities, John decided to enlist in the Navy with the goal of becoming a pilot, enrolling in the Navy ROTC program at the University of Mississippi. John was graduated in 1960, earning a degree in Physics and Mathematics, and was commissioned as a naval officer. While at Ole Miss, John met Betty deLoache Hines and the two were married in 1960.
Upon completing his flight training in Pensacola, Fla., John earned his wings as a Naval Aviator in 1963. During the Vietnam conflict, John was as a member of Attack Squadron 172, the “Blue Bolts,” stationed on the U.S.S. Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA42). Notable accomplishments/ adventures during his naval aviation career included completing over 300 carrier landings and safely ejecting from his A4C Skyhawk in Subic Bay, Philippines on July 31, 1966.
While the young naval aviator was on cruise, Betty was able to meet John in many ports of call, including Barcelona, Naples, and Athens. Stateside, John and Betty lived in many places across the country, often staying for short periods of time. In the midst of these moves, their children, Elizabeth (Grace) Bloore Gephardt (Gene) and J. William Bloore II (Agnes) were born.
Their frequent moves slowed when John left active duty, although they relocated from coast to coast a few more times. They were particularly fond of the years spent in Palos Verdes, Calif., where John worked in the aerospace/defense industry, including at Northrop Corporation as director of marketing programs for the F/A-18 Strike Fighter. Ever dedicated to military service, John remained active in the naval reserves, which included many weekends drilling at China Lake and Pt. Mugu. Other highlights of the California years included coaching Little League baseball teams, worshipping at St. Francis Episcopal Church, completing his MBA at Pepperdine University, and enjoying countless hours spent with friends and family at Portuguese Bend beach club.
The last move John and Betty made took them to Little Rock, where they were able to enjoy lots of time with Beth’s family. Just as he had managed with his own children, John was able to avoid EVER changing a diaper for any of his grandchildren – charming a neighbor to change one for him so he could keep his streak. John supported Betty’s many creative endeavors by being her chauffeur, floral assistant, and ladder-climber.
John’s sense of adventure lasted his whole life. He and Betty took many trips to Maine with dear friends and family, and took multiple trips to England and elsewhere in Europe.
John solved hundreds of challenging jigsaw puzzles, tended the roses in his garden with steady love and care, tinkered with delight on any project that involved electricity or plumbing, and got great satisfaction from completing tasks. An offer of any kind of ice cream or a good, crisp cookie made his eyes sparkle with anticipatory delight. He loved fishing, being outdoors, caring for the parade of dogs and cats who enriched his life, and finding a bargain—even if it meant driving miles across town to save 10 cents on a tank of gas!
John was preceded in death by his sister, Nancy Bloore Roberts.
In addition to his children, he is survived by his brother, Dr. Ernest Bloore; granddaughter Morgan Bloore and grandsons Sean Bloore, Benjamin and Matthew Gephardt, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and an abundance of others related by love.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, the Alzheimer’s Association, or the charity of your choice. Arrangements are under the direction of RuebelFuneralHome.com.