S. John May

Throughout his 10 month battle with AML, John kept notes as to what he wanted to include in his obituary. He asked that I ‘tweak’ it and tweak I did. S. John May passed away peacefully in his home (just as he wanted) on October 21, 2023. His wife of over 20 years, Cathy-Lynn and #2 son were at his side. The day he began home Hospice care, all four sons flew in and stayed with him for an entire week. The banter, laughter and love created memories we will all cherish forever. The trip to the beach, cribbage tournaments, cocktail hour, watching football and My Fair Lady; John loved every single moment of having “My Boys” around him. In the words of his Aunt Maggie, John was born “the 4th little May” on a “cold winter's night,” January 18, 1939 in Racine, Wisconsin to Sylvester P. “Les” and Mary (Johnson) May. This extraordinary couple instilled the values of a Catholic Education in all eight of their children. He cherished his memories at St. Catherine’s High School where he was a stand-out multi sport athlete and quiet respected leader. He graduated from the University of Notre Dame with the Class of 1961. John completed his ROTC service in the US Army at Monterey Defense Language Institute and (as he was often teased about) Pebble Beach Golf Course where he could golf for $10 a round. John began his career as a C.P.A. at Earl Hamill and Company in Racine. When Hamill merged with the Clifton Gunderson Company his strong work ethic and respect for his clients made it no surprise that he would be offered a partnership when Clifton Gunderson became an LLP. John continued with C.G. for over 40 years until his reluctant retirement. He truly respected and enjoyed his work, his partners, his co-workers and his clients. John always loved to be where the ‘action’ was and enjoyed it even more when he could share it with family and friends. SuperBowl weekends in Las Vegas, Jimmy Buffet concerts at Alpine Valley, driving his Porsche to RoadAmerica at Elkhart Lake, Bucks courtside seats, weekly dinners with his buddies, St. Patrick’s Day parties, Notre Dame football games, OU softball games, dining on 5th Avenue South, in Racine, “a peek at the Lake,” in Naples, a walk on the Pier, and so much more. For many years, his love of warm weather and walking the beaches brought John to Florida immediately after every tax season. Upon retirement he and C-L chose to make Naples their home. He loved his life and appreciated the little things; sitting by the pool with a good cigar, reading his newspapers, enjoying a martini with appetizers before dinner and talking to his boys every week. He always said, “a guy just wants to have a little fun.” John is survived by his four sons, each of whose incredible personal achievements and love for experiencing all that Life has to offer humbled and motivated him. Dr. John P. May (Mark Andrews) North Miami, FL, Gus T. May (Arturo Vazquez), Los Angeles, CA, Kevin J. (Charlen) May, Pleasanton, CA and Kevin R. (Caroline Stevick) Brown, Bentonville, AR. His six grandchildren were a continuous source of love, laughter and amazement - Nicole H. May, Jack W. May, Russell Vazquez-May, Alex Vazquez-May, Sylvester G. Andrews-May and Ellison L. Andrews-May. “You are all so cool and blow me away.” John remained close to all his siblings his entire life. Known for breaking out into song at any given moment, the May family loved life and sharing those good times with everyone around them. In addition to his parents, John was predeceased by his brothers Thomas P. and Michael J. as well as his brothers-in-law, Matthew Triggiano, Peter Gengozian, Gilbert Niesen and Stephen Rocque. Continuing on to celebrate life are his brother James P. (Carol) May, Racine, WI, sister-in-law Kathleen May, Seattle, WA and Beloved sisters Elizabeth A.Triggiano, Milwaukee, WI, Mary M. Gengozian and Jane E. Rocque, Racine, WI and Kathleen “Casey” Niesen, Waupaca, WI. He is further survived by numerous and enormously loved in-laws, nieces, nephews and dear friends. Thank You to Dr. Jay Wang, Nonnie, Gus, Theresa, Maria and the entire team at Florida Cancer Specialists. Thank You to everyone at AVOW. Thank You Fr. Tom Boyer. John’s Catholic Faith was strong. He said his prayers every morning and again, on his knees, every night. He kept quotes and prayers in his date book that he re-read often. Among them: “Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always.” Dear Lord, There is much to do this day. Give us wisdom when we are filled with questions. Grant us a grateful heart when we feel discouraged, Open our eyes to the opportunities that await us. Steady our pace so that we can see you in the people and challenges that will come our way today. Let us be pure of spirit so Your Glory may guide our thinking and acting. Amen. As John requested, there will be no public memorial service. His family will gather in private services to be held at a later date. If compelled, please consider making a donation to Health through Walls, Inc. and PLEASE consider donating blood and platelets as often as possible. Arrangements are being handled by Shikany's Bonita Funeral Home, Family Owned and Operated Since 1978.

S. John May

January 18, 1939 - October 21, 2023