Help Support A Veteran's Funeral
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John Mortell, known as Fa by his grandchildren and great grandchildren (because his eldest grandchild could not say grandpa), is an extraordinarily loving and loved man.
He served in the Marine Corps in Vietnam from 1964 to 1968, Lema 3rd Battalion 27th marines, 2nd Laam Co to Chu Lai and exposed to agent orange.
He took part in many marathons, his most recent one just last year. This current situation came as a quick and unexpected shock to the family.
He has rapidly growing stage four brain cancer and is in hospice care at home. He is unable to control his body or communicate most of the time, with rare bursts of short or incoherent phrases. We are doing what we can to make his last moments as comfortable as possible.
He helped others without expecting anything in return.
Now he needs us.
His last wishes are to be buried in the USMC United States Marine corps uniform. We are funding for his uniform, casket, and funeral transport back to Massachusetts. His original uniform was burned in the house fire in 1975. We are waiting to hear back from the VA and DVA for his claim and support assistance and are using all our resources to get through this time.
His work ethic was strong, and his will and strength was admirable and inspiring.
When his car broke down he walked and hitchhiked from Sturbridge to Dorchester Massachusetts just so he didn't have to call off work. He worked two jobs full time as a letter carrier and roofer. He would wake up early and finish his route ahead of schedule so he could do more work as a roofer.
He was also light hearted and encouraged play, even showing up in the Beasterbunny outfit to pick up his daughter from the airport. He came from a good place always.
He sacrificed for his family, never getting for himself before he got for others and encouraged people to be who they wanted to be.
This is his Valentines Letter to his wife.
As a nature lover, friend to animals, and friend to man; he adopted from shelters, fed the strays, and always chatted up the neighborhood. He wanted to encourage kindness and community.
So we are asking the community to come together for a great man. You can donate and share to contribute.
He served in the Marine Corps in Vietnam from 1964 to 1968, Lema 3rd Battalion 27th marines, 2nd Laam Co to Chu Lai and exposed to agent orange.
He took part in many marathons, his most recent one just last year. This current situation came as a quick and unexpected shock to the family.
He has rapidly growing stage four brain cancer and is in hospice care at home. He is unable to control his body or communicate most of the time, with rare bursts of short or incoherent phrases. We are doing what we can to make his last moments as comfortable as possible.
He helped others without expecting anything in return.
Now he needs us.
His last wishes are to be buried in the USMC United States Marine corps uniform. We are funding for his uniform, casket, and funeral transport back to Massachusetts. His original uniform was burned in the house fire in 1975. We are waiting to hear back from the VA and DVA for his claim and support assistance and are using all our resources to get through this time.
His work ethic was strong, and his will and strength was admirable and inspiring.
When his car broke down he walked and hitchhiked from Sturbridge to Dorchester Massachusetts just so he didn't have to call off work. He worked two jobs full time as a letter carrier and roofer. He would wake up early and finish his route ahead of schedule so he could do more work as a roofer.
He was also light hearted and encouraged play, even showing up in the Beasterbunny outfit to pick up his daughter from the airport. He came from a good place always.
He sacrificed for his family, never getting for himself before he got for others and encouraged people to be who they wanted to be.
This is his Valentines Letter to his wife.As a nature lover, friend to animals, and friend to man; he adopted from shelters, fed the strays, and always chatted up the neighborhood. He wanted to encourage kindness and community.
So we are asking the community to come together for a great man. You can donate and share to contribute.
Organizer
Melanie Mailloux
Organizer
Dearborn Heights, MI