John Littleton Ahearn |
| Posted 2008-01-05 by Pat Wilson |
| The Arizona Republic, Phoenix, Arizona June 25, 2004 John L. Ahearn of Phoenix, Arizona passed away on Wednesday evening, June 23, 2004, at the age of 89. A deeply loved husband, father, grandfather and cherished friend to many, John was the oldest of three brothers and was born on November 30, 1914 in Brooklyn New York. John joined the Army before Pearl Harbor, and earned the command of C Company of the 70th Tank Battalion, the only tank unit to participate in the landings in North Africa, Sicily and Normandy. His was the first tank unit to land on Utah Beach on D-Day, his own tank the second to hit the beach. Penetrating inland, he permitted troops and equipment to move off the beach, and captured a defense position and dozens of prisoners. After his tank was disabled from a mine, he lost his legs while attempting to rescue two wounded American servicemen. He was nominated for the Medal of Honor and was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, the Silver Star and the Purple Heart. John moved West after rehabilitating, married his first wife Helen and had his first child, Mary. After being widowed, he met and married Irene, his wife of 49 years. He earned his undergraduate degree from Arizona State University and his law degree from the University of Arizona. Inspired by John F. Kennedy, John began a long and distinguished public service career, including becoming the Chairman of the Industrial Commission, a member of the Corporation Commission, the Democratic nominee for Congress and Arizona Attorney General, and he was instrumental in the formation of the Residential Utility Consumer Office. His warmth, generosity, keen wit and Irish charm will be greatly missed. He is adored always by his wife Irene, his children Mary, Stephen, Denise, Kathleen, John and Michael, grandchildren Christine, Andrea, Gabriel, Alejandro and Kevin, and sons-in-law Richard LEE, Geronimo RAMIREZ, Jr. and Jeff JOHNSON. Visitation and Prayer service at Hansen Chapel, 8314 N. 7th St., Phoenix, AZ. Services St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 4715 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85012. Contributions may be made to Interfaith Cooperative Ministries, 743 W. Buchanan St., Phoenix, AZ 85007. See Also: ASU Alumni |
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