John F. Foley, 88 of Darlington, passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2011, at Memorial Hospital of Lafayette County with his family by his side. He was born on July 10, 1923, in Shullsburg to John "Frank" and Ethel (Mitchell) Foley, Sr. He attended Shullsburg High School, worked as a trucker and then enlisted in the United States Army in 1944. John served overseas during World War II where he was wounded in 1945 and became a Prisoner of War (POW). Upon returning to the United States, he was awarded a Purple Heart. On Nov. 13, 1945, he married Dorothy "Dot" Cullen and they made their home in Darlington. Dorothy preceded him in death on May 7, 1990. He worked at Gibson's Ford Garage and then went into business on Center Hill in Darlington as Foley Auto Mart. He will also be remembered for working at McNett's and Glendenning's Ready Mix.

Survivors include his children: Ron (Darlene) Foley, Sr. of Janesville, Janice (Norman) Foley of Darlington, Karen Foley of Verona/Darlington and Sandy Casales of Edgerton/Darlington; 10 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; a sister: Helen Gridley of Rockford; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; an infant son, Robert; a son-in-law, Manuel Casales; a grandson, Paul James Foley; two brothers: Maurice (Evelyn) and Freemont "Pete" (Barb) Foley; and a brother-in-law, Everett Gridley.

Mass of Christian Burial was held at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 11, 2011, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 104 E. Harriet Street, Darlington. Father Randy Budnar officiated. Burial and full military honors followed at St. Matthew's Catholic Cemetery in Shullsburg. Visitation was held from 3-7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 10, at Steil Camacho Funeral Home, 206 E. Harriet Street, Darlington, where a Rosary and Celebration of Life Service was held at 7 p.m. Visitation was also held from noon-12:50 p.m. on Sunday prior to the funeral at Holy Rosary Catholic Church.