John Leonard Jarboe, Sr. of Leonardtown passed away early Saturday morning, April 24th, 2010, at the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home where he resided for the past 20 years.

His dry wit, mischievous nature, and most of all big heart (albeit sometimes under a gruff exterior) earned him a loving following amongst staff and residents alike at C.H.V.H. He will be sorely missed. "Johnny" Jarboe - as he was known amongst friends was born in Leonardtown on March 3, 1926, to the late Ignatius Jackson Jarboe and Mary Catherine Connelly. He attended the two-room Leonardtown School, was a graduate of Margaret Brent High School, and an alumnus of St. John's College in Annapolis. Mr. Jarboe enlisted in the United States Navy and served with distinction from 1944 to 1946. He earned the Pacific and American Theater ribbons in addition to a Victory Medal while serving throughout the South Pacific.

Upon completion of his military service Johnny eventually earned his Master Plumbers license. He put his skills to use for numerous companies and customers in Southern Maryland and Washington, D.C. until the late 90s. A pool "shark" in his younger days, Johnny later enjoyed trips to Rosecroft Raceway with his son John Jr., as well as other games of chance. He enjoyed rooting for local pro sports teams and was known to stay out once or twice after dark. His favorite past time, however, became his loving relationship with his grandchildren and taking pride in their accomplishments.

Johnny lost his wife Rosemary, whom he adored, in 1981. He was also preceded in death by siblings Ann Kurz, Virginia, Jimmy, Gertrude, and Ignatius Jarboe, Jr., half-brother Elmer Jarboe, and step-children Janet Clements and Jonathon Wood.

He is survived by his son John L. Jarboe, Jr. and his wife Belynda and their children Rebecca and Jake of Charlotte Hall. Siblings Mary L. "Peggy" Stone of Waldorf, Margaret Tippett of Leonardtown, and Joe Donald Jarboe of Lincoln, Nebraska. Also his stepchildren – Joe Wood, Jr., Marsha Hast, Mark Wood, Brian Wood, Todd Wood, Sr., Lisa Murphy and their many children. Amongst numerous nieces and nephews, Francis N. "Frankie" Tippett of Chaptico held a special place.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, April 28, 2010 from 5:00 – 8:00 PM in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, Leonardtown, MD where prayers will be said at 7:00 PM. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, April 29, 2010 at 10:00 in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home. Interment will follow in the St. Aloysius Catholic Cemetery, Leonardtown, MD. Pallbearers will be Francis N. Tippett, John L. Jarboe, III, Todd H. Wood Sr., Todd H. Wood, Jr., Brian H. Wood, Mark T. Wood, Sr.

Services provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, P.A.