John B. Gokey

John B. (Jack) Gokey, age 79 passed away at home July 24, 2016. Born October 2, 1936 to Melford and Carmen (Vail) Gokey of Dickinson Center, NY. He attended School in Bangor, NY and High School at Franklin Academy in Malone, NY where upon he enlisted in the US Air Force August of 1955. John received schooling in Wichita Falls, TX as an aircraft mechanic. Then was stationed at Sheppard Air Force Base. He was deployed to Tashekawa Air Force Base, Japan for 2 years. John was honorably discharged August 1959. He worked for Pan Am as a jet mechanic.

John married Dolores (Dolly Hebert) Gokey on Nov. 4, 1961. They moved to Prattsburgh, NY in 1967, he became a truck driver and an owner operator until his retirement in 1992.

John enjoyed his family and friends and will be forever known for his wit. His hobbies were woodworking, gardening and going to watch dirt track racing.

John is survived by his wife Dolly of almost 55 years, his children, Marie (Tom) Walters of Branchport and William (Bonnie) Gokey of Prattsburgh; grandsons, James (Meghan) Walters of Branchport, Jason (Kerrie) Walters of Morrisville, NC, Jared (Jerrica) Walters of Branchport, John and Josh Gokey of Rochester; great-grandsons Wyatt, Colt and Ryder; sister Patricia (Howard) Nicklaw; sister-in-law, Patricia Gokey and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, brothers Melford and Fredrick, son Christopher, nieces Debra and Michelle, nephews Ronald and Bruce, his wife’s parents, brother, and sister-in-law.

A celebration of John’s life and legacy will be held from 4 pm to 8 pm, Tuesday, August 2, 2016 at the Prattsburgh Fire Hall, 15 Allis St., Prattsburgh, NY. Memorial donations may be made in his memory to the Oncology Dept. at Clifton Springs Hospital, 6 Ambulance Dr., Clifton Springs, NY 14432.