Mr. John "Jack" Regan, 78, of Burwell St., entered into eternal rest on Sunday afternoon, December 10, 2006 in Mohawk Valley Nursing Home, Ilion. He was surrounded by his loving family at the time of his passing. Jack was born on August 9, 1928, in Little Falls, son of the late Thomas E. and Linda (Wiles) Regan and attended St. Mary's Academy. He was a lifelong Little Falls resident. He was an electrical contractor and owned and operated "Jack Regan Electric" for several years, retiring in 1992. Jack was a veteran of World War II and the Korean Conflict serving 6 ? years in the United States Navy. He enlisted on September 22, 1943 at the age of 15 and served during this tenure in the Pacific Theater. He served aboard the Battle Cruiser USS Alaska (CB1) and participated in the invasions of Iwo Jima, Okinawa, and the Philippines. He survived the Kamikaze attacks against the U.S. Navy ships and participated in the first attacks against Tokyo since the Doolittle Raids and was with the first surface ships in the East China Sea during WWII. He participated with Naval forces of the Japanese surrender in Sing Tau, China. He was honorably discharged on April 20, 1946.He was awarded the American Theater medal, Asiatic Pacific medal with two stars, Philippine Liberation ribbon and the World War II Victory medal. He re-enlisted in the U.S. Navy on August 15, 1950 in Albany during the Korean Conflict serving on the U.S. Cacapon and was honorably discharged on June 15, 1954 at Long Beach, California and then was the recipient of the Navy Occupation Service medal, China Service medal, Good Conduct medal, National Defense Service medal, Korean Service medal with nine stars and the U.N. Service medal. Rightfully proud of his military career he enjoyed sharing Navy stories with family and friends and also enjoyed attending Navy reunions. On August 25, 1988 Jack was the recipient of the China War Memorial medal which the Government of the Republic of China had especially decreed as a token of its appreciation for the contribution made by Jack and other brave Americans for their joint effort in the China Theater during World War II. He was a communicant of Holy Family Parish, Little Falls and was very faithful to his parish and to his religion. He was active in the community holding memberships with numerous organizations including the Little Falls Knights of Columbus where he served on the 4 th degree color guard, Little Falls Elks Lodge #42, life member of the Little Falls V.F.W. Post #4612 and a life member of the Little Falls American Legion Post #31. A true public servant he served as past vice chairman of the Little Falls Housing Authority where he was involved for fourteen years until illness forced him to retire. In his spare time, he enjoyed hunting and fishing. Jack's family was of the utmost importance to him, the center of his life and the focus of his priorities. A very caring man with a wonderful sense of humor, he took it upon himself to take care of everybody and everything. Always a steadfast source of strength and guidance, he freely offered his love, his experience, and his assistance to his loved ones. He was especially proud of his Irish heritage and always enjoyed the company of family and friends. He leaves his devoted wife Marion and their five children and their families: Eileen and Joseph Handley and son David; Jack and Sue Regan and their children, Bill, Sean, Danielle and Sue Ellen; Michael and Sandy Regan and son Matthew; Mary and Jon Gruchala and their children: Andrew, Lauren and Ryan; and Mark and Julie Regan. He was predeceased by three infant children: Mary, Joseph and Catherine Regan and by a grandson: Christopher Thomas Gruchala. He is also survived by his sister and brother in law: Carol McDonough and husband Robert and by a sister in law: Mary Regan and by many nieces, nephews and cousins especially mentioning his nephew Thomas E. "Terry" Regan, III who was very close to Jack. He was also predeceased by his brothers: Peter, Thomas, Robert and James Regan and by his sisters: Kathleen Schultz and Mary Margaret Regan. The family offers their deepest gratitude to Father Anthony Ligato and Sister Marilyn Hayes for their spiritual guidance and also to the following professionals for their kindness and compassion offered: Dr. Michael Bowser of Syracuse, the staff on the 2nd floor at Mohawk Valley Nursing Home in Ilion, and the emergency room staff at Little Falls Hospital. Also, a special thank to Kathy Moynihan and Diane Hawkes for their compassion shown and to all of the relatives and friends for their kind acts of sympathy offered during this difficult time. Relatives and friends are invited to visitation at the Enea Family Funeral Home, 24 W. Monroe St., Little Falls, on Tuesday, (today) December 12, 2006 from 5-8 p.m. Jack's funeral will commence at 9 a.m. on Wednesday morning, Dec. 13 from the chapel of the funeral home and at 9:30 a.m. from Holy Family Parish, corner of E. Main and John Streets, Little Falls, where the Rev. Anthony Ligato, pastor, will celebrate his Mass of Christian Burial. Procession will follow to St. Mary's Cemetery, town of Herkimer, where he will be laid to rest. Members of the United States Navy will offer military honors. As a tribute to Jack and his Irish heritage bagpipe music will be offered throughout the funeral service. Kindly consider memorial offerings to the Holy Family Parish Memorial Fund or to the American Heart Association. Envelopes may be obtained at the funeral home. The following organizations will gather at the funeral parlor on Tuesday to conduct services: Little Falls American Legion Post #31 at 6:00 p.m., Little Falls VFW Post #4612 at 6:30 p.m. and members of the Little Falls Elks Lodge #42 at 7:00 p.m. For directions to the funeral home, click the facilities link above.