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John Degen
John Degen of Southampton died Friday, April 15, at Southampton Hospital after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. He was 87.
Mr. Degen was a loyal and faithful servant of the Roman Catholic Church and lived his life as Jesus wanted him to live, his family said, adding that he was always kind, fair and generous to all that met him and to many more that never knew him at all.
He was born on January 26, 1924, in Düsseldorf, Germany. In 1927 at the age of three, his mother Margaret and father Herman Degen came to the U.S. on Palm Sunday and settled in Huntington. Mr. Degen joined the U.S. Navy during World War II and was stationed on the submarine chaser PC-798 patrolling along the west coast. After the war he founded Huntington Welding. He married Marie Teresa Pipolo on May 1, 1953. In 1964 he and his family moved to Southampton and founded Southampton Welding and Iron Works.
Mr. Degen was a member of the Bridgehampton Historical Society, the Long Island Antique Power Association and the Long Island Railroad Museum, and a “Golden Spike” member of the Rough and Tumble Engineers Historical Association. Antique engines big and small were his passion; many of his restorations were highlights in the annual Southampton Fourth of July parade and several of his antique restorations now reside in museums.
Mr. Degen and his wife Marie founded Birthright of Peconic in Southampton. Mr. Degen was a devoted supporter of Covenant House of New York for children in need. He was a member of Our Lady of Poland Roman Catholic and served for many years as financial and parish council member. Mr. Degen and his wife Marie have been strong supporters of Our Lady of the Hamptons School, giving generously both their time and resources.
Mr. Degen is survived by his wife of 57 years; four children, Patricia Ann, Margaret Marie Donohoe, Ann Marie Koleoglou and John Vincent Degen; six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
The family received friends on Tuesday, April 19, at O’Connell Funeral Home in Southampton. A funeral Mass was scheduled for Wednesday, April 20, at Our Lady of Poland Roman Catholic Church on Maple Street in Southampton. Interment followed at Saint Patrick’s Cemetery in Huntington. There will be a memorial celebration for Mr. Degen on May 1, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Degen home where all are welcome. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to Birthright of Peconic, 99 West Montauk Highway, Hampton Bays, NY 11946 or Covenant House New York, 460 West 41st Street, New York, NY 10036.
on Apr 19, 2011