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John Henry Bres, age 92, died suddenly October 13, 2021. He is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph H. and Effie V. Bres; brother Joseph V. (Jere), sisters Katherine Pugh (Bryan), Estelle Mayer (Fred), and Margaret Abshire (Randel), and his nephew Tom Bres (Jan). He is survived by his first cousins, Sara Harris of New Orleans and Julie Slavik of Washington, DC; his nieces and nephews Mary Ordoyne (Arthur), Randel Abshire, Jr., Vaughan Bowen (Michael Mutter), Joseph Bowen Bres (Linda), John Bres (Debbie), Katherine Ware (Alan), and Landry Tagliere, as well as many great-nieces and nephews. John was born and grew up in Brusly, LA, attended Brusly High, and entered Tulane University at age 16. When eligible, he transferred to the United States Naval Academy and was commissioned as an Ensign in 1951. After service around the world and command of three ships, including commissioning commanding officer of the USS Kalamazoo (AOR-6), in 1981 John retired from the Navy in the grade of Captain. As a naval officer, John was firm but fair, modeling and expecting excellence. His naval service was followed by a career at Booz Allen Hamilton where his unique perspective and expertise made him both a valued employee and a cherished friend. John's was a life of faith, family, and friends. The depth of his spiritual life was evident in his attendance at daily Mass, regular retreats, and his generous support of many Catholic charities. His life was made rich by the company he chose to keep. Whether at home in Alexandria, VA; Brusly, LA or visiting friends around the world, wherever he was John made genuine connections with the people close to him. His love of and loyalty to his family and friends was boundless, matched only by his generosity. Visitation at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Brusly, LA on Wednesday, October 20, 2021, from 9-11 a.m. Mass at 11 a.m. Rabenhorst Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
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Capt Bres was my CO on the Porterfield-a truly wonderful gentleman from whom we learned a lot.
Bill Kieffer
Work
September 15, 2022
I was part of the commissioning crew of the USS Kalamazoo (AOR-6) under Captain John H. Bres' command. The past couple of years, I would call him during the month of his birthday February. I thanked him for commanding and protecting his crew across the Atlantic, Mediterranean, and Carribean seas. We enjoyed talking about the adventures we experienced. I called him again this past February and discovered that he had passed away late last year. I am saddened by his passing and grateful for the short friendship we shared. I extend my condolences to his family. ETN3 Rodney Harris
Rodney Harris
March 19, 2022
I am so sorry for the loss of John. I worked with him at Booz Allen. Our friendship remained over the many years since then. John was truly one of the most decent men I have ever met. I will miss our phone conversations and the many many laughs we shared. RIP my dear friend - you brought much joy into the world.
Dianne Verderame
Friend
October 21, 2021
I worked with John many, many years ago at Booz, Allen and Hamilton. He was a wonderful friend and mentor, his generosity was boundless. I am so very grateful for the many lunches at Ft. Myer for ham and bean soup and introducing me to many culinary experiences with engaging conversations. God bless you John and your family, today and always. May you rest in peace, you will be sorely missed on this earth. Sincerely, Diane
Diane Demo Casey, Tucson, AZ
Work
October 19, 2021
John and I met when we both worked at Booz Allen. John, my wife Kathy, and I would meet for dinner at different restaurants quite often and became fast friends before we moved to Miami. John agreed to be a God parent for our son Matt and executed his office flawlessly despite great distances and changing locale. We last saw John at his 90th birthday party in Brusly and I wish we had kept in more frequent contact subsequently. He will be sorely missed but live on in our memories
Peter Mullen
Friend
October 19, 2021
I am saddened to hear of the passing of my captain, John H. Bres. I served under his command on the USS Kalamazoo (AOR-6), commissioning crew. Capt. Bres was fair, refined, and knowledgeable. He plucked me from deck force to become a JO (Navy Journalist). I didn't ask for it and had not given it a thought. Capt. Bres was amazed that I had turned down an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy and instead chose to be a Navy seaman, on deck force. He had never seen anything I had written, but he decided that I would become the ship's journalist. I owe my 40-year career a a newspaper and magazine editor to Capt. John H. Bres. He saw something in me that I didn't recognize. I never got to thank him for it. Thank you, Sir.
Fair winds and following seas!
Lou Ransom, JO3
Other
October 19, 2021
Mike and Annie and Family
October 19, 2021
I send my heartfelt condolences to all of John's family. John and I were in the 16th Company, he was in the Class of 1951, I joined the Company as a plebe in the Class of 1952. He was a very kind, extremely likable person, and my favorite upperclassman. Frequently, owing to the similarity in our last names, our mail would be delivered erroneously, but that provided us an extra opportunity to chat. I and all who knew him will greatly miss him. I believe he had an uncle, who served in the Navy, by the name of Alan V. Bres, quite a coincidence, if true. Sincerely, AVB
Allyn V. Bress
School
October 18, 2021
Dale and Janine Bosley
October 18, 2021
RIP John.
Frank Titus
Friend
October 18, 2021
My heart goes out to his family. I have heard so many amazing stories the last few years from his niece and I hate that I was never able to meet him in person. God speed. Semper Fortis
Connie Dees
October 16, 2021
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