Col. (Ret) John Robinson Westervelt, Jr.'s Obituary
Col. (Ret) John Robinson Westervelt, Jr. (known as 'Westy') was born in Jackson Heights, Long Island, New York, October 23, 1930. His mother, Gertrude Meiswinkle, was born at West Point, New York, while her father played in the marching band under John Philip Sousa. His father, John Robinson Sr. was a Purple Heart recipient and served in WW1. Westy graduated from Xavier High School, New York City, in 1948, in preparation for the United States Military Academy at West Point.
After graduating in 1954, he was commissioned in the Infantry branch and served overseas in Vietnam, Korea and Japan. Westy was decorated many times in his 30 year career including the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster and 'V' device for Valor, Air Medal (three awards), and the Meritorious Service Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters. He also earned an Army Ranger Tab and Senior Jump Wings in Airborne units.
His military assignments included service as Commandant at the USMA Prep School, Battalion Commander in Korea, Brigade Commander at Fort Polk, LA, Chief of Staff IX Corp, Camp Zama, Japan and Special Assistant to the Commanding General of the 9th Infantry Division at Fort Lewis, WA.
After retiring from the military in 1983, he worked with BDM corporation for 8 years at Ft. Lewis, Denver, Ft. Hood, and the Jet Propulsion Lab in Pasadena.
Following retirement from BDM, Westy worked as a Senior Tax Advisor for H&R Block in Pierce County for 20 years.
In 1957, Westy married Marilyn Louise Kurtz, and together they had two daughters, Emily Caroline and Laurie Elizabeth (Mrs Dave) Pearson. His greatest joys in life were his family and grandsons, John Christian and David Robert Pearson.
Westy was a loving husband, father, grandfather, friend and proud patriot who embodied the West Point ideals of 'Duty, Honor, Country'.
Westy passed away peacefully in his sleep on July 23, 2017 and will be buried at West Point National Cemetery at the United States Military Academy.
A private Requiem Mass will be held, with a public reception at Mountain View Memorial Park Tacoma on Thursday, August 10th at 2:00.
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