From a contemporary press report:
John P. “Jack” Jarabak Jr., 49, a Navy rear admiral who was the major program manager for submarine combat systems, died of coronary artery disease August 12, 1998 at home in Alexandria, Virginia, where he had lived for the last six years.
Admiral Jarabak had specialized in submarines for most of his naval career, and his sea duty included command of the nuclear-powered submarine Boston. Earlier, he had served aboard three other nuclear-powered submarines. In his last Navy assignment, his responsibilities included procurement and technical support of all submarine combat control systems.
He was born in Pensacola, Florida, the son of a career Navy officer, and he rew up in Lake Oswego, Oregon. In 1971, he graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy.
His shore duty included service as director of digital combat systems at the Naval Submarine School’s Officer Training Department, torpedo project officer at Naval Sea Systems Command and chief of staff to the deputy assistant secretary of the Navy for mine and undersea warfare. His military decorations included two awards of the Legion of Merit, three Meritorious Service Medals and the Navy Commendation Medal.
Survivors include his wife, Brianna D. Jarabak of Alexandria; six children, Brianna V. Jarabak of New Mexico and Janelle D., John Paul III, Brendan, Patrick and Bryson Jarabak, all of Alexandria; and a brother.
JARABAK, JOHN PAUL, JR., RADM, USN
On Wednesday, August 12, 1998, at his residence in Alexandria, VA, JOHN PAUL JARABAK, JR., husband of Brianna D. Jarabak; father of Brianna V., Janelle D., John Paul III, Brendan, Patrick and Bryson Jarabak; brother of Andrew Jarabak. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 310 S. Royal St., Alexandria at 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, August 18. Interment in Arlington National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society.
Michael Robert Patterson was born in Arlington and is the son of a former officer of the US Army. So it was no wonder that sooner or later his interests drew him to American history and especially to American military history. Many of his articles can be found on renowned portals like the New York Times, Washingtonpost or Wikipedia.
Reviewed by: Michael Howard