Captain John M. Foley, DC, USN (RET)'s Obituary
Captain John M. Foley, DC, US Navy (RET), passed away on Saturday, April 16, 2011 at the age of 77 years. John was born in Baltimore, MD on November 16, 1933. He graduate from Towson Catholic High School, Towson, MD, in 1951; received a Bachelor of Science Degree from Loyola College, Baltimore, MD, in 1955; was awarded the Degree of Doctor of Dental surgery by the University of Maryland in 1959; and completed a Master of Science Degree in Dentistry at Indiana University, Purdue University in 1971.Captain Foley was a member of the Faculty of the Dental School University of Maryland and a National Institute of Health Research Fellow from 1959 through 1964. He was augmented to the Navy Dental Corps from the Ready Reserve in 1966. He was ordered as Assistant Senior Dental Officer to US Navy Support Activity, Danang, Vietnam, where he served from April 1967 to April 1968. He was selected for a five year residency in Oral Pathology which he completed in June of 1973 at the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, Washington, DC. Captain Foley established the Oral Histopathology Section at Naval Hospital, San Diego, CA. In June 1978, he assumed the Chairmanship of the department of Oral Pathology, national Naval Dental center, Bethesda, MD. He reported to Naval Medical Command, Pacific Region in August 1984 as Assistant Chief of Staff for Dentistry and from May 1986 through July 1989 served as Commanding officer, Naval Dental Clinic, Pearly Harbor, Hawaii with additional duties as Dental consultant US Pacific Command, Fleet dental officer, CINCPACFLT, Force Dental Officer COMSUBPAC and Dental Officer COMNAVBASE, Pearl Harbor. Captain Foley is a Diplomat of the American Board of Oral Pathology and holds a Fellowship in the American Academy of Oral Pathology and the International and American College of Dentists. He is a member of the American dental Association and the Association of Military Surgeons of the United States. Captain Foley has earned the following decorations and awards: Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service medal, navy Commendation Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Unit Commendation, National Defense Service Medal with bronze star and the Vietnam Service Medal with four campaign stars. He retired in 1992 after 34 years of service.Captain Foley was married to Dolores A. “Laurie” Skane of Baltimore, who preceded him in death on February 12, 2002. John is remembered by his brother, Timothy (Nancy) Foley of Tavares; brother-in-law, Martin B. (Katherine) Skane of Falling Waters, WV; nephews, Sean (Jennifer) Foley of Hampstead, MD and M. Daniel (Barbara) Skane of Mechanicsville, MD; niece, Lisa Ann (Jon) Harrison of Troy, MI; niece, Laura Ann Davis of Damascus, MD and numerous grand nieces and grand nephews. The family invited friends to gather on Tuesday, April 19, 2011 from 5-7 pm at the funeral home. Mass of Christian Burial was held on Wednesday, April 20, 2011 at 9:00 am at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Mount Dora. Burial was held later in the week at El Camino Memorial Park, San Diego, CA. In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested a donation be made to the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, 875 North Randolph Street, Suite 225, Arlington, VA 22203 (www.nmcrs.org) or St. Patrick Catholic Church, 6803 Old Hwy 441 S., Mount Dora, FL 32757. Arrangements were entrusted to Steverson, Hamlin & Hilbish Funerals and Cremations, Tavares, FL, 352-343-4444. Condolences may be left for the family by signing the guestbook below.
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