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IT SEEMED TO BE CHARACTERISTIC of our son John that whatever he strove for he did with his whole heart and soul. Thus he worked hard for what he wanted and he played hard during recreation. He made three rather varied choices in his life for a future career-the priesthood, professional photography, and the military life. Each time he applied himself assiduously-to learn that neither of the first two was his calling. Then in 1950 John found his third choice to his liking. He put in four years of hard work and he enjoyed it.
In sports he was an enthusiast in baseball and football. In his sandlot days he was the prime mover behind many a game. Later when his studies did not allow him much time to engage actively, he followed the events through the sports pages and over the air. John was usually in good humor and had a cheery "Hi!" for everyone he met. That greeting, which we heard every time he came home from the Point, still rings in our ears-bringing a sigh at the thought of his untimely passing.
To give a few short details, John Borgatta was born August 21, 1928, in Englewood, New Jersey. He was one of four children of Aurore Levesque and Mark A. Borgatta. In 1942 he was graduated from St. Cecilia's Grammar School in Englewood, and with the encouragement of his superiors, John entered Mount Carmelite Seminary in Niagara Falls, Ontario, there to start high school and preliminary training before entering more advanced studies for the priesthood. However, after two and one-half years of diligent study, he felt he was not destined for the religious life and came back home. He there joined the Class of 1946 at Cardinal Hayes High School in New York City, where his family had since moved. He did very well and was graduated with honors.
Being very interested in his father's hobby, he took a course at The School of Modern Photography and worked at commercial photography for three years.
In 1948 he enlisted in the New York Air National Guard. He attended all their meetings and loved them. This opened to his mind new horizons. Photography did not satisfy his ambition for action, so through the National Air Guard he was given the opportunity of taking the West Point entrance examinations. He passed the test with high marks and entered the Academy in July 1950. He went through Plebe year with the usual hazing from the upper classmen. He coped well with all situations. He never had real difficulty with his academic subjects, and he was first in his class in the study of German. He devoted a lot of time to his pet activity, the Howitzer, at which he worked with great zeal as Assistant Photo Editor. After having taken the Air Force trip in his Cow year, he could never forget all that he had seen and heard about this division of the Armed Forces; and after serious consideration, he was very proud to accept his assignment for flight training in the United States Air Force.
The June Week program was packed with celebrations, parades, dinners, topped off by graduation as a grand finale June 8, 1954. We were all so happy over this glorious occasion.
On July 17th, John married the girl of his dreams, the charming Miss Joan Marie Sexton, daughter of Mr. And Mrs. John F. Sexton of Jackson Heights, New York. Both wanted to start their military life together right from the beginning. They left New York for Bainbridge Air Force Base in Georgia, August 6, 1954. A few days later, John flew to Syracuse, New York, to attend a New York Air National Guard celebration. Being the first member of that organization to enter the USAF via West Point, he was invited to that ceremony and was presented with a handsome gold watch by General Karl F. Hausauer, Chief of Staff to Governor Dewey, to commemorate this occasion.
The month of happiness which the newly married couple spent after their arrival in Bainbridge came to a sudden and tragic end on September 13th. About five o'clock that afternoon John was soloing in a Piper Cub trainer about 15 miles away from the base. The plane was observed in a spin at 1,500 feet, and at approximately 600 feet the right wing separated from the aircraft. In a matter of seconds the plane crashed to the ground, and John was killed instantly at the age of 26. Thus the life of a young man holding great promise was suddenly snuffed out. A boy so full of ambition for his career, so full of desire for life! His bride, parents, sister, and brothers who loved him so much, were stunned by this tragic event. No words can express our great sorrow! There is comfort in the thought that John was well prepared to meet his Creator. He was a pious, religious person. He has loved and served his God faithfully; he had pledged his life to Him, to his Country, family and fellowmen. His jovial disposition, his winning smile, his genuine manner, and his exemplary Christ-like life will be long remembered by all who knew him.
We humbly say the Lord's Prayer: "Hallowed be Thy Name! Thy Kingdom come! Thy Will be done on earth as it is in Heaven! Amen."
John was laid to rest on September 18, 1954, in St. Charles Cemetery, Pinelawn, Long Island.
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On June 8, 1954, John graduated from the Military Academy ready, willing, and able to take his place in the service of our country as an Air Force pilot. His desire to be a pilot was exceeded only by his desire to serve God and his love for his wife, Joan. While at the Academy John was active in many cadet activities. Foremost of which was his work as a member of the Howitzer Board. He devoted much of his time to making the 1954 Howitzer the fine book that it is. He was also a member of the Catholic Choir. John was an excellent photographer. Among his most cherished photos were the ones he took of the Navy goat draped with an Army blanket.
He was always very sincere and conscientious in whatever he did. He never did a half job. He never was satisfied with anything less than full effort in work or play. His early training in self-discipline adapted itself easily to the rigors of cadet life.
In July 1954 John and Joan were married in New York. And in August another young couple reported at Bainbridge Air Base where John started his preliminary flight training. It was there that John met his untimely death on the 13th of September 1954, doing what he loved in the service of our country.
John's passing means the loss of a faithful servant to our country, a loving husband to his wife, a grateful son to his parents, and a very true friend to those who knew him. "Be thou at peace."
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. . . And this is my beloved. Those who knew John will forever remember him, his sincerity, his diligence, and, always, that ready smile. Our marriage, with its numbered days, was full of these qualities possessed by him, and although short, these days were filled with eternities of happiness. John never fully realized his dream of being a "Jet Jockey," but many lives are fuller, richer because he lived. |
