Jean B. Bignon's Obituary
Jean Baptiste Gaston Elie Bignon of Tavares, Florida, passed away on Tuesday, March 1, 2016 at the age of 94.
Jean was born on July 6, 1921 to Noemie Constance Bignon (nee Lebranchu) and Jean Baptiste Victor Francois Bignon (deceased May 24, 1921) in Yvignac, France. He grew up the youngest of three children and attended school in his beloved Yvignac. At 17 Jean attended college in Paris studying Maritime Propulsion. World War II began October 3, 1939 and changed Jean’s entire life. In 1940 he joined the French Navy, since he wanted to travel around the world. While stationed in North Africa at Mers-el-Kebir, his ship, the Richelieu, was torpedoed, disabling the starboard propeller shaft. A few months later while in Dakar, Africa, the ship was again damaged in battle. By this time French forces had joined the Allies and the Richelieu sailed for refitting at the Brooklyn Navy Yard in New York City on January 30, 1943. After a chance meeting at a dance in New York City, three months later he married Marguerite (nee Tournoux) Bignon and eventually became a United States citizen. Marguerite passed away in 1991. In 1996, Jean married Freida (nee Blaser) Bignon, who died in 2011.
For many years Jean owned and operated Quality Store Equipment Company, first making soda fountains and accessories out of stainless steel and eventually expanding his business building luncheonettes, bars and restaurants in New York City. In 1971, Jean closed his business and worked for Columbia Presbyterian Hospital as head of the Maintenance Department for 14 years prior to his retirement.
Jean is survived by his son, Jean Charles Andre Bignon, a daughter, Alice Jeanne-Marguerite Mullamphy (nee Bignon), and their spouses, Ann Williams Bignon, and Kenneth Mullamphy; seven grandchildren: Nancy Marsh, Marguerite Walz, Ann Marie Bignon, Michele Johnstone, Yvonne Bennetti, Jean (the third) Bignon, Jeanette Buhring (and their spouses Kevin Walz, Gregory Johnstone, Jason Bennetti, and Mark Buhring); nine great-grandchildren: Alexis & Dylan Marsh, Marin & Keira Walz, Benjamin, Evelyn & Elijah Buhring, Gregory Johnstone, and Brandt Bennetti.
There will be a Mass for family members at All Souls Catholic Church, SR #46, Sanford, FL on March 11, 2016, at 10:00 AM, followed by a Memorial Service at 2:00 PM for family and friends at Severson, Hamlin & Hilbish Funeral Home, 226 E. Burleigh Blvd., Tavares, FL. The family is grateful for the condolences but declines flowers. Donations in Jean’s name can be made to Cornerstone Hospice and Palliative Care, 2445 Lane Park Road, Tavares, FL 32778-9648.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Steverson, Hamlin & Hilbish Funerals and Cremations, 226 E. Burleigh Blvd., Tavares, FL 32778, (352)343-4444. Online condolences may be left on the Tribute Wall.
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