John J. Miselnicky

John Joseph Miselnicky, 90, died peacefully on April 20th surrounded by his sons. He was born in Binghamton to John F. Miselnicky and Elizabeth (Betty) Brusil. John also known as Johnny and Jack grew up in the Korchak family home on Jarvis Street in the First Ward. He graduated from Binghamton Central High School in 1950 and afterward began work at Universal Instruments as a tool punch operator, one of their first 100 employees. He then followed in his uncles Tom and Dick Korchak’s footsteps and served his country. He enlisted in the U.S. Army serving in Korea from August 1952 through May 1954. He earned 2 Bronze Star Medals for acts of bravery and heroism. During his time in Korea, John’s father asked his friend Perry Dimmick if his daughter Sandra would write to John, she agreed, and her letters would start the beginning of a lifelong love affair. After John returned home from the war, he resumed work at Universal, bought a 1955 Thunderbird convertible and began dating Sandy. On July 20th, 1957, Johnny and Sandy were married and shortly afterward made their home in Hillcrest and started a family.

John is survived by his 3 sons; Scott and son-in-law Chris Walsh of New York City and Hillcrest; son Mark, daughter-in-law Kim and grandsons Justin and William of Glen Ellyn, Illinois; son Jon of Port Crane; brothers-in-law David Dimmick of Painted Post and Donald Dimmick and sister-in-law Margrit of Zephyrhills, Florida; Aunt Janice Korchak of Shawnee Mission, Kansas and Cousins Rosemarie Zurek of El Paso, Texas and Laurie (Miselnicky) Chambers of Hudson, Ohio. He was predeceased in death by his loving wife Sandy of 64 years in October of 2021.

John was a member of the American Legion Post 1254, Immanuel Presbyterian Church, and the Bob Dwyer Fishing Club. He was a loving, devoted husband, considerate father, loyal to his extended family and a friend to many. He was always there no matter the need. John was a hard worker, and his skills were always put to work with the various projects he had around the house and yard. He was an avid, year-round sportsman following in the traditions of his father and father-in-law as a deer hunter and fisherman. Fishing was a family pastime. From the river by the cottage fishing with his brothers-in-law, the East Branch of the Delaware, Summers on Black Lake, or the Whitney Point Reservoir Crappie Derby, John looked forward to his next cast ensuring the freezer was stocked for the next fish fry. Deer hunting season was also a tradition as John, his father, son Jon and cousin Ron Kelech ventured out to track their next buck.

After 42 years at Universal, John retired. The following years would be spent enjoying his hobbies and interests; tracking weather forecasts and snow totals, starting another project, keeping up with his many friends, enjoying dinners with his wife at Cortese, watching the Yankees and traveling to spend time with their sons and grandsons. The boys brought him great joy and attending their school activities and numerous sporting events were highlights of their year.

While John’s final years were a challenge physically, his mind was as sharp as ever. He was always one step ahead challenging himself to keep going and persevere. He took great interest in everyone and could always be counted on to strike up a great conversation. John’s legacy as a patient and considerate soul will be remembered and treasured by many.

Calling hours to which relatives and friends are invited to attend will be held on Thursday, April 28, 2022 from 10-11:30 A.M. at the Wm. R. Chase & Son Funeral Home, 737 Chenango Street, Port Dickinson. A service to celebrate John’s life will follow at the funeral home at 11:30 A.M. John will be laid to rest with full military honors following his life celebration at Calvary Cemetery in Johnson City.

Donations can be made in his name to any Veterans Organization and the Broome County Dog Shelter.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Wm. R. Chase & Son Funeral Home, Port Dickinson. To leave a message of peace and comfort for John’s family, please visit his online tribute at www.wmrchase.com