John "Jack" Eugene Minardi

MINARDI, John "Jack," age 85, of Kettering, passed away Monday, Nov. 17, 2014. He was born July 26, 1929, in Norwalk, Ohio, to the late Joseph and Florence Minardi. Jack graduated from Norwalk St. Paul's High School, where he was valedictorian. He earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Dayton, a master's degree from the University of Southern California, and a doctorate in philosophy from the University of Cincinnati, all in mechanical engineering. Jack served proudly in Korea as a naval aviator flying Corsairs off the aircraft carrier Oriskany. He worked at UD as a professor and senior research engineer from 1958-1990, collaborating with Hans von Ohain and many others. Jack holds 13 patents, and the Engineering and Science Foundation of Dayton in 1987 gave him its Award for Outstanding Professional Achievement. He was a founding member of Ascension Catholic Church and enjoyed trees and sports, especially the Reds and Flyers. He was a self-taught artist and woodworker. Jack was preceded in death by his loving wife of 42 years, Joan (nee Ferris) Minardi; and his sister, Lois Simons. He is survived by his children, Carolyn (Gary) Petrick, Michael (Laureen) Minardi, Mark (Kay) Minardi, Mary Ann (Jeff) Van Atta, Nancy (Mark) Findley, Teresa (Timothy) Gilbride, Susan (Michael) Webster, and Patricia (David) Borgman; and 49 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. The family will greet friends from 4-7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23, 2014, at Routsong Funeral Home, 2100 E. Stroop Road, Kettering. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Nov. 24, 2014, at Ascension Catholic Church, 2025 Woodman Drive, Kettering. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery. Donations may be sent to Elizabeth's New Life Center, 359 Forest Ave. #203, Dayton, OH 45405 and Catholic Relief Services, P.O. Box 17090, Baltimore, MD 21297. The family thanks longtime family friend Clara Muzechuk for her support.

Funeral Home:
Centerville Routsong Funeral Home
2100 E. Stroop Rd.
Kettering, OH
US 45429