Help with John’s medical and funeral expenses
Donation protected
Hello family and friends. We are requesting support to assist with medical and funeral expenses. We have a private account set up for funds to go directly into for these expenses. Should you have any questions, please reach out directly to Rebecca Spann or Sarah Boone.
Update 8/24/2023: John’s Viewing and Funeral Services.
Viewings will be on Tuesday 9/05, 2-4pm & 6-8pm at Ruck Funeral Home in Towson, MD. Chapel service on Wednesday 9/06 at 12pm, Ruck Funeral Home, followed by funeral and burial service at Garrison Forest Veterans Cemetery at 1:45pm.
Update 8/22/2023: John passed away on Monday 8/21/2023 at 3:43pm EST. We will provide updates and communication as final arrangements are confirmed. Thank you all for your love, support, and ongoing prayers.
On April 6th, 2023 at Apx 5:30am, John experienced difficulty breathing due to severe COPD and ongoing Covid related issues. This was his 4th issue since May 2022, he called 911 himself and was transported to St Joseph’s hospital in Baltimore, MD. Within a couple of hours it was confirmed that he suffered a cardiac arrest due to respiratory, and he also had a stroke. He was without oxygen for Apx 9mins and revived, and then again without oxygen for Apx 6mins and revived. He suffered an anoxic brain injury, TBI “Traumatic Brain Injury”. Initially, he received treatments and therapies while at St Joseph’s hospital that we’re not even available 5yrs ago to assist with brain recovery. He had a tracheostomy and feeding tube within one week after the TBI. He showed some minimal improvement such as eyes opening and slight limb movement (that we were told in the beginning may never happen) and with the medical care teams support we chose to give him and his brain time for recovery. Unfortunately, after 4+ months, he’s unable to communicate, follow commands and remains in a vegetative state.
After several additional scans and meetings with John’s medical care professionals, it has been determined that his brain injuries are too severe and he will never recover enough to have a meaningful life.
As a family we’ve been committed to giving him every possible chance, as we know he is a strong fighter. We’ve encountered several medical setbacks along the way that severely put his health at risk for ongoing infections, and potential long-term issues that could be detrimental even if we allowed him to continue to live in his current state. Our family recently decided to transition John to in-patient hospice, where he will peacefully live his last days at Stella Maris in Timonium, MD.
This has been a difficult decision and time for our family, we’ve been his advocates, fighting for him for several months. We are aware of his wishes, and although he’s not suffering or in any pain, we know he would not want to live his life like this.
We welcome everyone who would like to share their love and memories, and pay last respects, to please do so within the next couple of days, at Stella Maris.
John had no Will or POA in place. He has Medicare A only and VA benefit, and unfortunately the VA benefit does not serve as healthcare or a secondary insurance. There is also no life insurance or savings. Medical bills are already well over $75K and funeral costs are estimated to be $13-15K. These expenses will be paid out of pocket by his daughters, Rebecca and Sarah.
Funeral arrangements and services will be held at Ruck Funeral Home in Towson, MD. Additional communication and updates will be shared when available.
We appreciate your empathy, support and patience during this time.
Additional: Born and raised in Baltimore, John is a Navy Veteran who served in Vietnam. Until recently retiring, he was a small local business owner of Northwind Communications for over 25 years. He did business with several local bars, restaurants, medical facilities, hotels and other companies, installing satellites and TVs systems, including all of the wiring and cabling equipment.
John loved spending time with his children and grandchildren, family and friends, riding his Harley, taking care of his home and yard work, watching O’s and Ravens games, fishing, cooking, playing the piano, going to the beach and enjoying time with people that he loved.
Prior to the cardiac arrest, John never had any major health issues and was always very active. Our beloved Dad, Grandfather, Brother, and Friend, “Johnny” as we all know him will always be loved and our memories with him will be cherished.
Update 8/24/2023: John’s Viewing and Funeral Services.
Viewings will be on Tuesday 9/05, 2-4pm & 6-8pm at Ruck Funeral Home in Towson, MD. Chapel service on Wednesday 9/06 at 12pm, Ruck Funeral Home, followed by funeral and burial service at Garrison Forest Veterans Cemetery at 1:45pm.
Update 8/22/2023: John passed away on Monday 8/21/2023 at 3:43pm EST. We will provide updates and communication as final arrangements are confirmed. Thank you all for your love, support, and ongoing prayers.
On April 6th, 2023 at Apx 5:30am, John experienced difficulty breathing due to severe COPD and ongoing Covid related issues. This was his 4th issue since May 2022, he called 911 himself and was transported to St Joseph’s hospital in Baltimore, MD. Within a couple of hours it was confirmed that he suffered a cardiac arrest due to respiratory, and he also had a stroke. He was without oxygen for Apx 9mins and revived, and then again without oxygen for Apx 6mins and revived. He suffered an anoxic brain injury, TBI “Traumatic Brain Injury”. Initially, he received treatments and therapies while at St Joseph’s hospital that we’re not even available 5yrs ago to assist with brain recovery. He had a tracheostomy and feeding tube within one week after the TBI. He showed some minimal improvement such as eyes opening and slight limb movement (that we were told in the beginning may never happen) and with the medical care teams support we chose to give him and his brain time for recovery. Unfortunately, after 4+ months, he’s unable to communicate, follow commands and remains in a vegetative state.
After several additional scans and meetings with John’s medical care professionals, it has been determined that his brain injuries are too severe and he will never recover enough to have a meaningful life.
As a family we’ve been committed to giving him every possible chance, as we know he is a strong fighter. We’ve encountered several medical setbacks along the way that severely put his health at risk for ongoing infections, and potential long-term issues that could be detrimental even if we allowed him to continue to live in his current state. Our family recently decided to transition John to in-patient hospice, where he will peacefully live his last days at Stella Maris in Timonium, MD.
This has been a difficult decision and time for our family, we’ve been his advocates, fighting for him for several months. We are aware of his wishes, and although he’s not suffering or in any pain, we know he would not want to live his life like this.
We welcome everyone who would like to share their love and memories, and pay last respects, to please do so within the next couple of days, at Stella Maris.
John had no Will or POA in place. He has Medicare A only and VA benefit, and unfortunately the VA benefit does not serve as healthcare or a secondary insurance. There is also no life insurance or savings. Medical bills are already well over $75K and funeral costs are estimated to be $13-15K. These expenses will be paid out of pocket by his daughters, Rebecca and Sarah.
Funeral arrangements and services will be held at Ruck Funeral Home in Towson, MD. Additional communication and updates will be shared when available.
We appreciate your empathy, support and patience during this time.
Additional: Born and raised in Baltimore, John is a Navy Veteran who served in Vietnam. Until recently retiring, he was a small local business owner of Northwind Communications for over 25 years. He did business with several local bars, restaurants, medical facilities, hotels and other companies, installing satellites and TVs systems, including all of the wiring and cabling equipment.
John loved spending time with his children and grandchildren, family and friends, riding his Harley, taking care of his home and yard work, watching O’s and Ravens games, fishing, cooking, playing the piano, going to the beach and enjoying time with people that he loved.
Prior to the cardiac arrest, John never had any major health issues and was always very active. Our beloved Dad, Grandfather, Brother, and Friend, “Johnny” as we all know him will always be loved and our memories with him will be cherished.
Co-organizers (2)
Rebecca Spann
Organizer
Parkville, MD
Sarah Marie Boone
Co-organizer