John Dallas Quackenbush

John Dallas Quackenbush has relocated to his “Mansion Over the Hilltop”, three months short of his 63rd birthday. John died August 26, 2011 at Castle Point VA Medical Center after a brave four-year battle against cancer. The son of the late Evelyn Quackenbush Mammato and the late Robert H. Quackenbush, and the late Antonio V. Mammato, he was born November 27, 1948 in Nyack NY. He is survived by daughters Patricia Lothridge, Jennifer Roberts-Wetzler, Elizabeth Gangaware, and Crystal Harayda; son Michael Quackenbush; sisters Susan (Bradley) Odell of Chester NY and Leta Salerno of Spring Valley NY; brother James (Jennifer) Quackenbush of Pomona NY; several nieces and nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews. He was predeceased by sister Gene Spencer of Elmira NY and niece Becky Lynn Garrett of Mt. Laurel NJ. John was a PFC in Signal Company C, 11th AD, in Germany. His most recent employment was at Kolmar Labs, Port Jervis NY. John led a full, adventuresome life, on his own terms. He approached circumstances in ways we could not always understand (family called it “The World According to Johnney”), but which invariably came out right. Even during his illness, he amazed his family, friends and doctors at his unexpected longevity. He had a ready, wide smile, and made friends of most everyone he met.

John’s life-long passion was trains. It was his practice, prior to his hospitalization, to rise in the very early morning, grab a coffee, and watch the trains on their journey. He knew all the railroads, visiting many of them, and all their routes and histories. His favorite: always the green and yellow Burlington Northern, of which he had an extensive model collection.

Visitation Friday from 6-8pm at Wanamaker & Carlough Funeral Home 177 Route 59 in Suffern and 10am to noon on Saturday, followed by a Celebration of John's Life. Officiant Pastor Joseph Bove. Interment will follow immediately at Airmont Lutheran Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in John's name to: Tallman Bible Church, 280 Route 59, Tallman, NY 10982, (845) 357-1941. Information or condolences: www.wanamakercarlough.com.