Obituary of John Aber DR

Dr. John J. Aber "Jack" Florida: Age 83, formerly of Elmira, passed away on Saturday, March 31, 2012 in Destin, FL after battling cancer. Jack was born, in Elmira, February 15, 1929 the son of Helen (McIntyre) and Oscar Aber. After graduating from Elmira Free Academy, he enlisted in the U S Marine Corps in September 1946, training with the Underwater Demolition Team, known today as the U S Navy Seals. During the Korean War Jack fought at the Battle of the Chosin Reservoir under the command of Colonel "Chesty" Puller, and was presented the Navy Commendation Medal for Valor by the Colonel himself. After the service, Jack went to the State University of Buffalo where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree. He continued at SUNY Buffalo Dental School obtaining his Doctor of Dental Surgery. While in school Jack married the love of his life, Charlotte VanDyke on May 25, 1955. She predeceased him on January 4, 1987, at the age of 51. He is also predeceased by his brothers-in-law, Buck Templeton and Harold Starkey. Jack is survived by his children, Pam (Rob) Groff, Elmira; Mike (Liza Schuman) Aber, Long Beach, CA; Vickie (Mike) Jezorski, Soldotna, AK; Dan (Karen) Aber, Wellsburg; Tom Aber, Whittier, CA; Sheila (Patrick Cashman) Aber, Homer, AK; Matt (Crystal) Aber, Pine City; Duke (Lauren) Aber, Atlanta, GA; 23 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are his sisters, Helen Templeton and Betty Starkey, both of Elmira; several nieces and nephews; his extended family, Sara Grubaugh, his "Georgia peach" of Destin, with her daughter Rita (Jack's ninth child), and grandsons, John and Alex. Some of Jack's fondest memories were golfing at the Elmira Country Club, cooking and shooting at Fir, Fin, and Feather; flying his Piper Cherokee, and later flying model airplanes with Ugo Ferrari and Rocky Kranz. He also loved traveling and visiting his grandchildren. Jack was past president of the Chemung County Dental Society, Chairman for Children's Dental Health Month, and Chairman for the 6th District Dental Society. He was also a member of the Flying Dentist Association, American Dental Association, and NYS Dental Association. Jack received his Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry in 1980. A private service will be held. Those wishing may remember Jack with a donation to Disabled American Veterans at www.dav.org/donate, or to a charity of their own choice.