John J. Liljehult

Obituary

John J. Liljehult, of Levittown, NY passed away after a sudden illness on Thursday October 14, 2021. He was 96 years old and born in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. He was the husband of the late Leatrice A. Rogan and loving father of John Liljehult Jr., William A. Liljehult, Krista M. (Liljehult) Crockford and the devoted grandfather of Sarah K. Crockford, Anna K. Crockford, and Julia T. Liljehult.

John was a WWII veteran who loved his country. At the age of 17, after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, he enlisted in the US Navy. He became an Aviation Metalsmith, Third Class, and was stationed in the Pacific on the Marshall Islands. After the US victory in the Pacific, John returned to civilian life with pride in his distinguished service record. In his later years, John loved to share with his friends and family his recollections of this time.

Choosing to settle in New York, John worked at the Dime Savings Bank of New York. He started as a young teller and, by the time he retired in 1982, he had become a Senior Vice President. While working and raising a family, John also earned a professional certificate in Savings Banking from Brown University.

Affectionately known as one of Levittown’s original and longest residents, John bought a Levitt cape home in 1954 and moved in with his young family where he lived until his death. John was often called upon by neighbours and friends to share his stories about the history of Levittown.

John was a natural outdoorsman and conservationist. He loved nothing more than being with his dogs in the woods looking for game birds. Upon retirement, he became active in the Long Island Bird Dog Club and the Long Island Brittany Club, organizing and judging Field Trials, and served as their treasurer. John bred and trained champion Brittneys and Pointers, his home was full of treasured trophies and ribbons from his dog’s accomplishments.

John and his siblings have been blessed with longevity, he was preceded by his sister Lillian A. (Liljehult) McCann who died at 101 years old in July 2020 and his brother Alan Liljehult who died at 90 in 2018. John leaves behind two surviving sisters, Dorothy (Liljehult) Davis of San Diego, CA, 100 years old and Berdette (Liljehult) Grigious of Sun City, AZ, 98 years old. He will be missed by his many beloved nieces and nephews.

Services

Affordable Cremation Services of New York
130 Carleton Avenue
Central Islip, New York 11722
(516) 546-4626
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