Obituary of John Edward DeBolt

John Edward DeBolt, age 40 passed away peacefully on Saturday September 19, 2020 surrounded by his wife Elizabeth and his mother Donna at Holmes Regional Medical Center in Melbourne, FL.  Born on April 23, 1980 in Orlando, Florida, the son of Donna Patchin and Loren DeBolt. 

John was a caring, loving young man who “fought a good fight.” John always kept a positive outlook on life throughout his years despite many challenges he faced with Muscular Dystrophy. He enjoyed watching many sports including his favorite teams; University of Florida Gators, Orlando Magic, Miami Dolphins and Orlando City Soccer. John demonstrated a strong faith in God where he was involved in bible quizzing matches at a young age,  performed in church plays including “ The Gospel According to Scrooge” where he played Tiny Tim. 

John always had a smile on his face that would light up the room. He was an extremely intelligent young man where he was placed in advanced placement classes, gifted programs and Odyssey of the Mind. He graduated with honors from Palm Bay High School in 1999. Following high school, he attended the University of Florida for a short time where he studied Aerospace Engineering. John completed and earned his final degree in Drafting and Design from Brevard Community College.

John enjoyed staying in contact with his family members and friends throughout the years through online games and online chess matches. He enjoyed participating in wheelchair soccer games, attending telethons for the Muscular Dystrophy Association and MDA camps. John looked forward to family time and the holidays where he was surrounded by his loving family and incredible nurses. 

John is survived by his best friend and loving wife of 9 years; Elizabeth DeBolt, mother: Donna Patchin (Larry), father: Loren DeBolt, sister: Rachel Mackowiak (Matthew) and Steven DeBolt (Jennifer). Nieces and nephews: Liam, Owen and Madison Mackowiak and Gianna, Ethan, Kaylee DeBolt. John was predeceased by his grandparents: John Edward and Mary Ruth DeBolt and Annette and Randolph Wise. Memorial service and celebration of life will be held privately at John’s residence on October 3, 2020. John will be laid to rest at Florida Memorial Gardens in Rockledge, FL. In lieu of flowers, John would’ve loved a contribution to be made on his behalf to the Muscular Dystrophy Association (www.mda.org).