Colonel John (Jack) Pinnel, 74, of Niceville, FL, passed away on Saturday, August 1, 2020.
He was a much loved husband, father and grandfather.
Jack grew up in Maple Shade, NJ. He attended the University of Pennsylvania before enlisting in the U.S. Air Force. He was sent to Arizona where he graduated from ASU. During his 36 years in the military he served in Turkey and throughout the U.S. It was his tour of duty at Eglin in the 1970s and 80s that fostered his and his wife’s love of the area and desire to return here. He also worked for Raytheon before once again retiring to spend more time with his family.
Col. Pinnel is survived by his wife, Carol; two daughters Denise Salisbury (Mike) of San Jose, CA, and Robin Materese (Nick) of Germantown, MD; and three grandchildren, Steven and Andrew Salisbury and Laura Ferrier Materese.
Jack is best remembered for his incredible patriotism, his joyous 50-year marriage to Carol, and his pride and love for his children and grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at a future time when family and friends can safely gather to celebrate his life. In the meantime, you can play Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA” in his honor.
Donations in his memory can be made to: The Wounded Warrior Project, Moffit Cancer Center in Tampa, FL, or Ascension Sacred Heart Cancer Center in Santa Rosa Beach, FL. Expressions of love and sympathy may be viewed or placed at www.mclaughlintwincities.com.
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