John Palmer Wasey, of Hernando, Fla. died on March 26 at the HCA Florida Hospital in Inverness, Fla after a 19-month battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 77.

John was born in Burlington, Vt. on Oct. 25, 1946, to George Edward and Cornelia Palmer Wasey.

After graduating from Riverview High School in Sarasota, Fla, in 1967, he served for six years in the Navy Submarine Service specializing in fire control electronics.

He graduated from the University of Maryland with a double bachelor’s degree in business administration and finance. His background in the Navy led to a career in government contracting where he spent 25 years with Vitro/Tracor/BAE Systems as an electrical engineer known as “Smilin’ Jack.”

John was a man who loved Christmas and Hallmark movies and looked forward to the “Countdown to Christmas” lineup. In his spare time, he enjoyed puzzles, keno, playing card games and watching movies all whilst drinking a cup of coffee.

He was a mathematician at heart who loved a good challenge, especially when helping his children with schoolwork. He also was a problem solver who took on difficult and unwanted projects around the house with determination and vigor.

He enjoyed summers on Chappaquiddick at the family Pond House and afternoon cocktails with good friends at the Schoolhouse. If anyone came back empty-handed from a clam dig John would head out on a boat only to return with overflowing buckets ready to be shucked.

In his younger years, he lived and vacationed on the family-owned private island of Cat Cay in the Bahamas with his great uncle and aunt, Louis & Rae Wasey. He enjoyed tournament fishing, skeet shooting, spearfishing and, on memorable occasions, caught walking lobsters.

Planning family vacations packed full of adventures was John’s forte. From New England bed and breakfasts with succulent Maine lobsters for lunch, to driving across country to camp in the wilderness and make friends with a chipmunk — John never ceased to amaze his family with meticulously coordinated trips and excursions. It was quite fitting upon retirement in 2004, John spent his time traveling the world with his wife, Karen.

For all those lucky enough to have met him and share in his kindness, generosity and gentle spirit, you know what a tremendous feeling of loss now lingers. He truly was a man of little words but a big heart. He will be deeply missed, but his good-natured spirit will remain in our hearts, and the memories he has left will carry us forward.

John is survived by his wife of 53 years, Karen Wagner Wasey; his son, Jonathan Wasey (wife Cynthia Millette Wasey and grandchildren Emma and Joseph); and daughter, Amanda Wasey (grandson Alastair); and his sister, Jane Swabb.

He was predeceased by his parents, George and Cornelia Wasey, and nephew, Elijiah Swabb.

A celebration of John’s life will be held later in the year.