Unwavering: steady and firm in purpose. This is a word that describes John. This is what helped make him a strong husband, an intentional father, a dependable friend, and a compassionate boss. His fun side—full of laughter, legos, love for science fiction, lots of Hawaiian Punch, and being on the lake–that was all just icing on the cake.
John J. Brost, 66, passed away June 21 after battling an aggressive form of cancer for six months. Despite the difficult fight against this disease, John remained steadfast throughout—giving it his absolute best effort, yet unwavering in the peace that He found in trusting in God's ultimate plan for his life.
Born in 1949 to Matthew and Lillian Brost, John grew up as an only child in Arlington Heights, IL. As a high schooler, John played on the tennis team—and was talented enough to travel to compete in Europe! He became interested in hotels at an early age and that motivated him to study hotel management in college at the University of Denver. On the days and nights he wasn't studying (which were often!), he seriously pursued his hobbies of skiing and drag racing, gaining the nickname "Jumpin' Johnny."
John's career in the hotel business started in Denver. Each promotion brought a move, from Denver to Philadelphia to Myrtle Beach to Chicago to Napa to Visalia, CA and finally Orlando. While in Philadelphia, he met his bride Colleen. They moved around the country together, pursuing their dreams and raising their family. By 1991, John and Colleen had three children—Laura, Christopher, and John Robert and wanted to be closer to their families on the East Coast. When a job opportunity became available in Orlando, John and Colleen took it and settled their young family in the quaint town of Clermont. As General Manager of the Sheraton Lakeside for 15 years, he made his mark on the Central Florida hotel industry by serving on numerous boards and committees. In 2011, John joined All Star Vacation Homes as General Manager, helping them grow and expand their company. He enjoyed his role immensely and it proved to be a wonderful last hurrah to a full career. He retired in February.
Though John was excellent at his job, his real joy came from his family. Family dinners and discussions of the day were a priority every night, as were bedtime stories, math and science tutoring, late-night swims in the pool, and a highlight: watching his sons play little league and high school baseball. He loved a well-manicured lawn, a great boat day out on the Snake River, and a National Treasure movie night. In 2013, John became a grandfather—lovingly known as "Pop" by his granddaughter, Violet. The sweet relationship he shared with her brought a joy to them both. John and his family were involved in three churches during his life in Clermont, most recently Real Life. He will be greatly missed by many.
John is survived by his wife, Colleen; daughter, Laura Cook and her husband Scott; sons, Christopher Brost and John Brost; granddaughter, Violet Cook.
Arrangements are:
Funeral Services for John will be held at 10:00 AM Thursday, June 25, 2015 at Real Life Christian Church, 1501 Steve's Rd., Clermont, FL 34711. Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 PM Wednesday, June 24th at the funeral home.
The family suggests in lieu of flowers memorials in John's name to Cornerstone Hospice, 2445 Lane Park Rd., Tavares, FL 32778.