| Date of Birth | May 23, 1930 |
| Passed Away | September 17, 2009 |
| Place of Residence | Avoca |
| Home State | NY |
| Service Date | September 21, 2009 |
| Service Time | Noon |
| Service Location | Bath V.A. Center Chapel |
| Interment Location | Bath National Cemetery |
LIEUTENANT COLONEL JOHN B. “JACK” ARQUIETTE
USMC (RET.)
AVOCA-Lieutenant Colonel John B. “Jack” Arquiette USMC (Ret.), 79 passed away Thursday evening (Sept. 17, 2009) at his home at Smith Pond.
Born in Malone on May 23, 1930 he was the son of the late Bernard and Pearl Arquiette. In 1948 he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and was assigned to the communications field. He achieved the rank of Tech Sergeant and following combat service in the Korean War he was selected for commissioning as an officer. His career found him stationed at several Marine Corps bases across the United States and he served two tours in the Vietnam War. He retired at the rank of Lt. Col. in 1969 after 21 years of faithful service to his country.
Upon arrival in Avoca the Arquiette family settled at Smith Pond where they operated a family farm. Jack was also employed by the Steuben Rural Electric Cooperative for more than 20 years until retiring in 1996.
Jack dedicated time and served on the Avoca Central School Board and as a Supervisor for the Town of Howard. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting, fishing and golf with his family and many friends.
His family includes his wife, Nancy Wheeler Arquiette, who he married in Howard on Dec. 21, 1991; his six children, Mary (Dan) Stavisky of Port Allegany, PA, Major Ralph (Deborah) Arquiette USMC (Ret.) of Fredericksburg, VA, Nancy Arquiette of Crandell, TX, Colonel (Brig. Gen Select) Steven (Deb) Arquiette, USAF stationed at the Pentagon, Washington, DC, Julie (James) Ginther of Burke, VA and Thoms Arquiette of Campbell; his two stepchildren, Amy (Stelio) Orfanidis and Michelle (Adam) Spies; his 13 grandchildren, Brian and Christopher Stavisky, Alicia, Jaclyn and Kathrine Arquiette, Stevie Arquiette II, Erin and Colin Ginther,Caleb Moseley, Sofia and Naki Orfanidis and Jeffrey and Emily Spies; his two brothers, Richard (Bess) Arquiette of Big Fork, Montana and Donald (Joan) Arquiette of Auburn; his two sisters, Susie Miller of Honeoye Falls and Bonnie Staples of Auburn.
Besides his parents he was also predeceased by his sister and brother-in-law, Jeanne and Buck LaMountain.
Calling hours are from 4-7 p.m. today (Sunday) at the Avoca Funeral Home, 22 N. Main St., Avoca. A funeral service will be held at noon Monday at the Bath V.A. Center Chapel. Committal prayers and interment, with military honors, will follow at the Bath National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute in his memory to either the National Museum of the Marine Corps, 18900 Jefferson Davis Hwy., Triangle, VA 22172 or to the Howard Volunteer Fire Dept., Route 70A, Avoca, NY 14809
I just want to tell all the familey I am so sorry me & Bess can”t travel to be there due to both our health problems, but you are all in our prays.God Bless Love Dick & Bess
Dear Dad and Grandpa Jack,
You’ve been in our thoughts and prayers throughout the years, and especially through eacxthese last several months. Now you are able to shed your sorrows, and rise above to rest in peace. A few of the things that you’ll be remembered for include your strong work ethic, farming at Smith Pond, having a unique spirituality, a funny sense of humor, and raising 6 great kids with Muggs…
Wishing You Peace and Love~
Your youngest daughter and family,
Julie, James, Erin, and Colin
To the family of Jack.. I had the pleasure of serving Jack, his wife Nancy and even some of the family at a couple of different resturants in Hornell.. It certinally always put a smile on my face to see the Arquiette family walk through the doors. Jack was very kind to me throughout the years.. and he will be missed greatly.. Nancy my thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time..
Jack, the one with a quick smile and a twinkle in his eye. I remember when Rich started working at REA it was always nice running into Jack when I stopped by the shop. Sad to hear of his passing.
To the family of John Arquiette, on behalf of the entire Lesperance family we would like to extend our deepest condolences. May you rest in God’s faithfulness, find strenghth in HIs promises and be comforted by His love.
Our Deepest Sympathy goes out to the whole family..
The Marine Corps Communications Officer community sends its deepest sympathy to Nancy and the Arquiette Family on learning of the passing of our comrade-in-arms, LtCol Jack Arquiette.
Our Deepest Sympathies reach out from Joni and I to the Family and Friends of another of our true and steadfast Marine Warriors. When a Marine receives his final PCS Orders they are to the Marine Guard in Heaven where we will be reunited with all the Warriors that have passed before. Rest assured that our Marine is not alone, as he has not been since he first enlisted. Semper Fi and God Speed.
I served under LtCol Arquiette at the Technical Operations Division (Code 843) at the old Marine Corps Supply Activity at Philadelphia 1966-69. I remember him as a good leader in that he stayed out of your way and let you do your job. He also backed us up when ever we were right about any particular issue or decision. I offer my condolences to his family. I am sure that those who served under him remember him with much affection and respect.
William Bruni, MGYSGT (Ret)
Stafford, Virginia