God gave John the blessing of family. He was the eldest of seven children: four brothers and three sisters. My Father was born during the period of the Great Depression. At the time, his parents had a flat in Harlem, New York City. He learned at the early age of 14, the value of hard work and responsibility, shadowing his Father who worked as a building superintendent. For a time, he took over as head of household when his Father Bernard grew ill.
I often hear testimonies from the voices of my Aunt’s, Uncles and first cousins that my Father was a pillar of strength. He devoted his time to helping his Mother and Father care for the needs of a growing family. They were a close knit unit with strong bonds and took pride in caring for one another.
He began working as a professional painter with District Council 9 (I.U.P.A.T.)in 1974. Family, friends and work colleagues would describe him as an honest, hard-working, blue collar man. Although his union job was very physical and often he came home very tired, we never heard him complain about the actual work as he enjoyed it - and that we always appreciated that he helped provide for our family. He retired from his trade in 1998 at the age of 69.
He had such a passion and talent for working with his hands. Where ever he lived he always made sure he had a space for his hobbies and would spend hours working in his shop, listening to music while he built his model ships. For as long as I can remember he loved admiring Dutch clipper ships and those from early American history.
He shared his love of culture and films from his generation. At home he watched a lot of old westerns and on many occasions I remember our trips together to the theater. His two film hero’s: John Wayne and Clint Eastwood. He also liked to take trips to museums, travel when he could and take photographs.
He was married to Martha and has two surviving daughters: Tara and Trever
John is joined in heaven with his late brothers and sisters: Bill, Charlie, Mary and Betty. His surviving siblings, Thomas and Dena.
Cherished uncle (Uncle Johnny) to his surviving nieces and nephews: Debra, Kathleen and Jacquelene, Chuck, Ron and Cynthia, Brant, Lisa and Kim, Charlie Jr. and Marie.
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