John Edward Libby

John E. Libby passed away on April 19, 2021 at the age of 80 with his family at his side.  He will be deeply missed by his wife Elin, his daughters Dodie and Donna, son-in-law Bill, his two loved grandchildren Jessica and David, his sister Kathy, nephew Eric and his wife Liseth, and their son Kevin.  He will also be missed by his friends and his EBC Family.

John was born on April 30, 1940 to John E. Libby and Doris Tuttle Coleman.  He grew up and attended school in Patchogue, NY.  While a teenager he developed a love for cars and racing which he shared with his dad.  He joined a go-kart club and raced with the team, much to the dismay of his mother.  He also developed a Love for drag strip racing where he met and became lifelong friends with Lew.  When he bought his first new Chevy, he brought it to the drag strip the next day and raced it against Lew’s car. He blew out the ice plugs immediately on his brand new shiny Chevy.

Later in life as a “safer” hobby he became interested in antique guns and collecting them.  John and his close friend Dave were members of the Long Island Antique Gun Collectors Association Inc.  They spent many years traveling together to antique gun collector shows throughout the East Coast.

In the summer of 1960 John met his future wife, Elin, at a Fourth of July BBQ at his friend Lew and his wife Jane’s home. He proposed to her on their third date and they were married on February 25, 1961 at the Methodist Church in Patchogue.  A year and half later their oldest daughter, Dodie, was born.  Three years later they built their first home together in North Patchogue.  Their daughter, Donna, was born three days before moving into their new home. In 1971 the Libby family moved out east to Eastport, LI to be closer to all their friends.
They both had been very active in the Patchogue Methodist Church.  So, the first Sunday after moving in, while driving to the Center Moriches Methodist Church, they noticed the large white church on Montauk Highway; then known as Eastport Gospel Church.  They looked at each other and said, “Let’s try it” and they drove into the parking lot.  They were warmly greeted by everyone.  They were fully accepted when John mentioned that his grandmother was Laura Tuttle.  Mr. Wilcox, who was the genealogy expert, did some research and discovered that John was related to a majority of the Tuttles at EBC. The Libby family was officially in! The pastor at that time was Lynn Phillips and he was instrumental in leading John to the Lord.  During his fifty years as a member of Eastport Bible Church he developed a strong faith and walk with the Lord.  Every morning at 10:00am he would spend an hour or two reading and studying God’s Word.  He had a passion and strong desire to learn and grow and was excited to share his love and knowledge of God to those around him.  He served as president of the EBC Board for about 15 years.  He also served as the leader of the Tuesday morning men’s breakfast Bible study group for many years.  It was a perfect combination for bacon, eggs, and teaching God’s Word.  Through the

years he led a Bible study group on Monday evenings at Jean Tuttle’s home.  During these years he led many to the Lord.  John enjoyed driving the Youth at EBC to the summer Grace Youth Camp down in Virginia.  He served with other members of EBC at Camp Hope and Camp Joy to prepare the camp for the summer season.  John enjoyed and loved being a pitcher on the Eastport Ironmen Softball team.

In 1974 the Libby family moved into their new home in East Moriches.  The family then started their lifelong love of camping, hiking and various outdoor adventures.  The family joined the Sandwiches Chapter of the National Campers and Hikers Association.  Here they met many of the lifelong friends.  They enjoyed camping at Cupsogue Beach and monthly campouts with their club.  The family enjoyed all their vacations to many beautiful parks.  A special trip that holds special memories for the family was a five week summer camping trip throughout the country.

In June of 1990 John proudly gave his daughter, Donna away in marriage to William Nowak.  John always supported and encouraged both of his daughters in their various sports and any and all activities that they participated in.  He was the loudest cheerleader (sometimes to the embarrassment of his daughter) and extremely proud of them.  One of his proudest moments was when his daughter, Dodie, joined the U. S. Air Force; which she made a lifetime career of.  He was also proud of his daughter, Donna who made a career in the medical field. John was a very proud and patriotic man who loved his country.

In 1993 his granddaughter, Jessica was born.  Then in 1996 his grandson, David, was born.  He completely loved his role as grandfather and enjoyed spending much time with them, supporting and cheering them on in their sports and many activities.

In 1996, he was diagnosed with Famiala Spastic Paralysis; a progressive hereditary disease.  He had to leave his job of 39 years at the Camco Corp. at Islip Airport.  As the disease progressed throughout the years, he had to give up participating in many of his loved activities.  During this period, John enjoyed spending time at the log cabin that they purchased in 2001, in the Catskill Mountains.  Friends and family were always welcome there and the grandchildren learned to ski.

Recently he was happy to congratulate his granddaughter, Jessica, on her engagement to John McGovern.  While not being able to attend her wedding, he was able to see a photo of her in her chosen wedding gown and said, “She is so beautiful”.  John was also extremely proud of his grandchildren’s accomplishments.  David is a Civil Engineer and Jessica is a Clinical Mental Health Counselor.  During all the difficult last years, as the paralysis progressed, John never wavered in his love and service to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

In Lieu Of Flowers Donations Can Be Made In John Edward Libby’s Honor To:

Grace Ministries International

203 Pitman Ave.

Bronx NY 10466

Grace International Ministries ::: Bronx, NY Church (graceintlministries.org)

And/Or

The Gideons International

26 Avenue E

Holbrook NY 11741

Gideons International | Donate