John Joseph Weinbrecht, Sr. of Norfolk, VA passed away Thursday, July 19 just 12 days shy of his 93rd birthday. Born in New York City on July 31, 1925, John was the son of Blanche and Joseph Weinbrecht. In his adolescence, he served the church as an alter boy and then as a teenager, he served his country by enlisting in the Navy and serving in WWII. Upon discharge from the Navy, John enlisted in the Marines and served in the Korean War. After his military duty, he received an apprenticeship at the Naval Rework Facility Missile Defense Program in Norfolk and went on to work there until retirement.
John is survived by his devoted and loving companion of over 50 years, Marie Woolard; and by his sons John J. Weinbrecht, Jr., and his wife, Catharine; and Danny Ray Weinbrecht and his wife, Elayne. John’s legacy extends to three grandchildren, Kelli and her husband, David Rooks; John Shea Weinbrecht and Lori Rogan; and Wendy Weinbrecht and Mark Palmer. His great-grandchildren include: Kathleen Weinbrecht Johnson and her husband, Cody; Kristin Weinbrecht; Paige Rooks; Daniel Buettner; and Kody and Kayla Rogan. He is also survived by a great-great-grandson Chase Johnson. John’s extended family who referred to him as “Chief” includes Marie’s children Karen Calogrides and her husband, Tommy and their children Beth and Tom; Norwood Woolard and his wife, Chookie and their daughter, Rachel; and Jonathan Woolard.
After retirement, John and Marie loved to travel in their motor home and would send the family back home detailed letters of their exploits from all over the US and neighboring countries. Often spending time in Florida and Duck, NC, to the delight of family and their many friends, they became interested in waterfowl and began carving and painting shore birds. Their carvings sure made wonderful Christmas presents!
We all fondly remember being entertained by stories of old New York and remembrances of days and relatives gone by. We will all miss you dearly.
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On behalf of the Virginia Beach Retired Employees Association, please accept our sincere sympathy for your loss.
The Virginia Beach Retired Employee Association would like to offer our sincere sympathy to the family. Father in-law to Catherine Meredith and to Elayne Weinbrecht.
My sincere condolences to the family and friends of John Weinbrecht. May fond memories warm your hearts. May our Heavenly Father (Psalm 83:18) provide strength and comfort at this difficult time and in the many days to come.
2 Corinthians 1:2-4
Psalm 29:11
Proverbs 17:17
My sincere condolences to Johns family and friends. He was my friends roommate at Ballentine. He will be missed.