LACONIA - John E. Mont, 92, of 102B Franklin Street, died Wednesday, February 11, 2015 at Lakes Region General Hospital.
He was born on St. Patrick's Day, March 17, 1922 at the family Homestead on Gilford Avenue in Laconia. He was the only child of the late Laconia Police Captain, Walter E. (Ted) and Evelyn O. (Piper) Mont. John graduated from Laconia High School in 1940 and on September 24, 1942 he joined the Army Air Force during World War II. The following year, 1943, he joined his combat crew. His position was as the ball turret gunner on the B17 "My Day". On their sixth mission "My Day" was shot down over the English Channel on December 30th. The surviving crew members floated in the freezing water for three hours before being rescued by the British Air Sea Rescue. On April, Friday the 13th, 1944 on mission #11, John was the engineer on "Wing Fury" that was shot down over Germany. He was captured and held at Stalag 17B as a Prisoner of War for 13 months. Stalag 17B was evacuated on April 8, 1945. The prisoners began an 18 day, 241 mile march to Branuau, Austria. John was liberated on May 3, 1945 and was reunited with his parents on June 5, 1945. He earned The Oak Leaf Air Medal, European Theatre Medal with one Bronze Star, British Gold Fish Club, The American Sea Squatters Club and The Caterpillar Club.
On John and Elizabeth's 50th Wedding Anniversary they traveled back to England, Germany and Austria. John had the chance to thank the British Air Sea Rescue as well as the Austrian people. On the march to freedom the Austrian people shared what little bread they had with the POW's.
John worked as a Hosiery Technician for Hunter Hosiery, Scott and Williams and Veritron. He was a longtime member of Laconia Congregational Church and a member of the American Legion. He enjoyed photography, woodworking, Moody Beach, Maine, The Nubble Lighthouse and GoldenRod Kisses. He also enjoyed sitting on his deck overlooking Lake Opechee, watching and feeding the birds, and especially yard-saling all spring, summer and fall with "his girls".
He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Elizabeth (Lord) Mont of Laconia. two daughters; Linda Ann Shaw of Laconia and Joan Marjorie Shaw and her husband Douglas of Laconia, with whom he made his home for the past 20 years, nine grandchildren; Suzanne, Kevin, Matthew, Nicholas, Jacob, Stephanie, Jessica, Sierra and Cheyenne, eight great grandchildren; Tianna, Connor, Derek, Miles, Ruby, Jackson, Kaiden and Jaiden, a sister-in-law; Marjorie Morin, four nieces and one nephew; Peggy, Pammy, Paula, Prudy and Gerry. In addition to his parents he was predeceased by a niece; Patty and nephews; Ryan and Jason.
A memorial service will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, June 6, 2015 at the Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia. Burial with military honors will be held in the family plot at Bayside Cemetery in Laconia. John will be transported in a vintage World War II vehicle to his final resting place.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Dutile Oil Company, 242 Messer Street, Laconia, NH 03246, to assist veterans with heating expenses.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, N.H. is assisting the family with the arrangements.