John Charles Saita

Published 9:46 am Wednesday, February 28, 2018

March 17, 1940 – February 22, 2018

John Charles “Jack” Saita, 77, of Terrebonne passed the morning of February 22, 2018 at his home, surrounded by family. He was diagnosed with advanced lung cancer just months after losing his wife to brain cancer in spring 2016.

He was born in Amsterdam, NY, and married his high school sweetheart, the former Joan King. The couple was married for fifty-five years and had four daughters.

The older of two boys born to Helen Saita and the late John Saita, Jack survived spinal meningitis as a young child and later, taught Sunday school as a young father. In the 1970s, he bowled a perfect three hundred and was named Connecticut State Champion. In the 1980s, he and Joan coached girls’ recreational league softball and basketball teams in Virginia.

Jack enjoyed a long career in the shipbuilding industry, first with the naval architecture firm, J.J. Henry, and then with the American Bureau of Shipping. His job sent him to ports all around the world and his work involved some well-known maritime vessels. As soon as he retired in 2006, he and Joan moved to Terrebonne.

A lover of thoroughbred horses, he earned the nickname “Racetrack Jack” at the office for his affinity to call in “sick” on opening day of regional horse races. In retirement, he volunteered at Healing Reins in Bend and gave generously to animal welfare programs, more recently, in his late wife’s name. He also loved doing yard work and was proud to have one of the nicest lawns in Angus Acres.

Jack is survived by his mother, Helen Saita, of Paradise, CA; his brother, Richard Saita of Paradise, CA; daughter, Anne Saita and son-in-law, Gilbert Madrid of San Diego, CA; daughter, Colleen Prosser of Roanoke, VA; daughter, Kimberly Saita of Terrebonne; and daughter, Maureen Saita and son-in-law, Patrick Bryant of the Terrebonne area. His grandchildren include, Lucas Saita of Terrebonne; Austin, Bailey and Skyler Prosser of Blacksburg, VA; Elise Madrid of Novato, CA; and Alexandra Madrid Nunn of Encinitas, CA.

The family is especially appreciative of the wonderful care team at Hospice of Redmond. Memorial donations may be made to that non-profit organization at www.hospiceofredmond.org/donating.html or by sending a check to Hospice of Redmond, 732 SW 23rd Street, Redmond, OR 97756.