LT COL John Joseph Sabatini, US Army, retired, 78, died on Veterans' Day, November 11, 2014. A native of Jersey City, NJ, he had been a Hampton resident since 1985. He was a career military officer and enlisted in the Army at the age of 13. He was on his way to Korea when his father found him and brought him home. His Army career spanned 40 years and he retired in January 1997. He was a great history buff, especially Civil War history, enjoyed metal detecting, and was a member of the VFW, AMVETS, and the Military Order of the Purple Heart. His many citations included the Silver Star, Bronze Star with combat distinguished device "V" (6th award), Bronze Star Medal (2nd award), The Purple Heart, Air Medal with palm, and Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Silver Star. Survivors include his children, James Dennis Sabatini, Veronica Sabatini Vervalin, and William Joseph Sabatini; his companion, Kathleen Mary Akridge; two step-sons, Jason Akridge and Nathan Akridge; a sister, Jo-Ann S. Kelly; two grandchildren, Jennifer Jabara and John Christopher Sabatini; and one great-grandson, Jack Jabara. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Saturday, November 15, 2014 at St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church. The family will receive friends from 7-8pm Friday at R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home. Interment with full military honors will be in Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. Memorials may be made to The Virginia Wounded Warrior Program, c/o Veterans Services Foundation, 900 East Main Street, 6th Floor, West Wing, Richmond, VA 23219.