A Navy chaplain from Irvine, Calif. died in Italy from complications after surgery. Deputy Chaplain (Lt. Cmdr.) John Keith, 49, passed away Saturday night in an Italian hospital in Naples after being transferred from a nearby Naval hospital.
Keith served at Naval Support Activity Naples. Base Chaplain (Cmdr.) Manuel Biadog told Stars and Stripes:
“He is very well-known and well-loved by the community, and he’s leaving a huge hole here for us.
“The folks are just completely overwhelmed, shocked. At yesterday’s service there was no dry eye there.”
Keith's wife wrote on the couple's Facebook page:
"My heart has been plucked from me. I can not find the words to express how much I miss him. It's more than I can bare.
"His love for the Lord is evident by the overwhelming love and support that we are receiving. I want to thank all of you for the outpouring of love, prayers, encouragement, flowers, meals and the loving support that you have shown. They are helping carry us through."
