JOHNNY T. KUBITZA obituary

Master Chief Petty Officer- Builder (Ret.) Johnny T. Kubitza, 67, of North Dighton, Mass., passed away on Aug. 30, 2009.

MCPO Kubitza was born on March 6, 1942, in Havre, Mont., to Grace (Wolfe) and John P. Kubitza. He attended St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic School and Havre High School. During his high school years, he gained quite a reputation for his boxing ability, which continued into his military career. While in the military, he won many boxing championships. At the age of 17, he joined the Seabees with his “can-do” spirit and served his country for 21 years. During this 21-year tenure, he served many tours in Europe and the Far East, plus three tours in Vietnam and two winter tours in Antarctica. He received numerous service medals and commendations, including five Good Conduct Awards, the Navy Achievement Medal, and the RVN MUC Commendation with Gallantry Cross, National Defense Medal, two Navy Commendations with Combat Device and a Meritorious Unit Commendation. After retiring from the Seabees in 1980, he earned a bachelor's degree from Roger Williams University. Johnny Kubitza most recently worked for the Framingham school system as director of buildings and grounds before retiring in 2008. Johnny married Janet (Sarracino) in June 1969, in Massachusetts, where they continued to make their home. He was accepted into the happy, loving Sarracino family and acquired four children: Lisa, Kristen, Maryellen and Joe. Johnny's greatest joys were his children and grandchildren, following all their activities and accomplishments. Johnny Kubitza is survived by his wife Janet (Sarracino) Kubitza; daughters, Kristen Carter and Maryellen Simmons; sons-in-law, John Carter, Scott Simmons and David Adams; son Joseph Smus and daughterin- law, Debbie (Johnson) Smus. He is also survived by his six grandsons, Samuel and Alexander Adams, Spencer and Trevor Simmons, Zachary Smus and his granddaughter, Meaghan Smus, and John Carter IV, and his sister, Pauline Golden of Havre, Mont. And numerous nephews and nieces. He was prececded in death by his parents, his daughter, Lisa Adams; favorite uncle, Ed Kubitza; and numerous uncles and aunts. Johnny's funeral visitation was held on Thursday, Sept., 3, 2009, at the Perry-mcstay Funeral Home in East Providence, R.I. and his Christian funeral was held on Friday, Sept. 4, 2009, at 8:30 a.m. at St. Nicholas of Myra Church in North Dighton, Mass. Burial with military honors has taken place in Rehoboth Village Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested contributions in John's memory be made to the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, 1 Intrepid Square, West 46th Street and 12th Avenue, New York, NY 10036