John Jensen

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. - John C. Jensen, 80, of Tottenville, a lifelong Staten Islander remembered for his wonderful sense of humor, died Tuesday in Staten Island University Hospital, in Prince's Bay.

Born in Pleasant Plains, he was brought to Tottenville in 1945 and attended Tottenville High School.

Mr. Jensen served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War era, from 1951 to 1954. He achieved the rank of sergeant. He was a 51-year member and former vice commander of the Beauvais-Hudson Post, American Legion.

He worked for 27 years as a laborer at the American Smelting & Refining Company, Perth Amboy, retiring in 1992.

"He loved life," said his wife, the former Dorothy Leavens.

Mr. Jensen had a great sense of humor and was known for his wonderful and wacky practical jokes. He also loved walking along the Tottenville shoreline, collecting coins and gardening.

He had been an original player with the Richmond Borough Plainsmen.

Mr. Jensen was a member of St. Mark's United Methodist Church, Pleasant Plains, where he was a Boy Scout in his youth.

His daughter, Dorothy Miranda, died in 1994.

Surviving, along with Dorothy, his wife of 57 years, are his daughter, Joanne Perry; eight grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.

Arrangements, including private cremation, were handled by the Bedell-Pizzo Funeral Home, Tottenville.

Services:

Visitation:

Cemetery: Rosehill Crematory

Location: Bedell-Pizzo Funeral Home