John Hoops, a decorated D-Day vet, dies at 89

John T. Hoops, an East Northport resident and World War II Navy veteran who participated in the D-Day invasion, died on Christmas Day. He was 89.

Hoops was a highly decorated veteran who was awarded the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart and numerous other commendations, his family said. "He was so proud of the Navy and being a part of it," said his son, James Hoops of East Northport. "But he never beat his chest about it."

John Hoops had a distinguished military career that featured action in both Europe and the Pacific Theater during World War II. He was a Navy chief aboard the destroyer USS Walke when it participated in the Allied invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944.

"He never really talked about or got into it," his son said. "He was very humble. He just looked at it like this was his duty, and he did it; it was nothing to brag about."

Hoops received the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart for his "heroic and meritorious" efforts when the Walke was attacked in the Philippines in Lingayen Gulf on Jan. 6, 1945. Hoops extinguished fires on two officers after a Japanese fighter plane crashed into the bridge of the Walke, killing the captain and some crew, Hoops' family said.

"He was right there on the bridge," James Hoops said. "There were tremendous fires as a result of the attack. He got burned but he was able to pull guys out of the flames. He had second-degree burns on his face, arms and hands."

John Hoops was promoted to chief petty officer later that year after months spent recovering from his wounds in the United States. Hoops retired from the Navy in 1960 after serving in such places as Korea, Puerto Rico and the United Nations and working as the executive assistant to Adm. William F. Halsey.

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In July 1960, he moved his family to East Northport and embarked on a 25-year civilian career at the Manhattan corporate offices of Coats & Clark, a sewing and needlecraft products company, retiring as the supervisor for employee benefits.

Born in Brooklyn on Feb. 23, 1921, Hoops was the eldest of four sons. He graduated from Franklin K. Lane High School in 1940 and enlisted in the Navy on Nov. 2, 1940.

"He was a unique cross between a tough exterior, but just the softest heart. He would do anything for his family," James Hoops said.

In addition to his son, John T. Hoops is survived by his wife of 62 years, Florence; son John R. Hoops of Columbus, Ohio; daughters Kathryn S. Tafuro of Wilton, Conn., and Barbara A. Rizzi of Ellicott City, Md.; eight grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.

A funeral Mass was offered at St. Matthew's Roman Catholic Church in Dix Hills. Interment will be next month at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.