John G. Sterzinar, Jr.

The greatest generation lost another soul as John G Sterzinar, Jr. passed away at 98 years at the home of his daughter on May 22nd in Proctor VT.

John was born in Little Falls, New York, a son to John G & Anna (nee Krocian) Sterzinar, Sr. on April 18th, 1927. His childhood and early teens were spent trying to overcome the difficulties of the Depression and the buildup and start of WW2. Like many high school seniors in 1945, John registered for the draft on his 18th birthday and enlisted in the Navy.

John entered the service in August 1945 and trained at the Great Lakes Naval Station, just north of Chicago on Lake Michigan. Later in the fall, John was assigned to the USS Grouse (YMS-321) and participated in operations along the West Coast. In April 1946, they set sail for the Charleston, SC Naval Base, traversing the Panama Canal. Back on the East Coast and with WWII now firmly in the past, the Navy released him in September from active duty.

John enrolled at Colgate University in September 1947. At Colgate, John played football as an offensive guard, graduating Summa Cum Laude May 1951. John was a life-long (Red) Raider season ticket holder and went to games as late as last fall.

In fulfillment of his GI Bill commitment, John started officer’s school at the Navy OCS in Newport, RI in 1951, specializing in Communication & Command. With the Korean War ongoing, John was assigned to the USS Achernar. He participated in various fleet exercises and cargo runs in the Caribbean and along the East Coast. John ended his career with a short stint aboard the AMS-47 Fulmar. His memory during this time included visiting Thule Naval Base in Greenland. He remained firmly committed to the US Navy and is proud of his contribution & service to his country. John achieved the rank of LTJG.

John married Eleanor M Hallak of New Hartford, NY on May 26th, 1952. They raised 4 children near Schenectady and enjoyed a loving marriage of 45 years, until Ellie’s passing in 1997. He often said his biggest regret was not telling her how much he loved her more often. Theirs was a true marriage of endearing love.

Upon leaving the Navy in 1955, John started his career with New York Telephone. Working in various capacities over the years, John’s upstate NY roots and demeanor were invaluable in bringing all the independent phone companies together under one modern network.

John was a 40-year resident of Echo Lake (Boonville), a member of the Boonville Elks, Harland Hennessey VFW and the American Legion Post 406.

He is survived by his son John III (Kathie) of Jensen Beach FL, daughter Diane (Tim) Clain of Proctor VT and son Frank (Gayle) of Reno NV. His family includes grandchildren Alyssa Moriarty, Edward (Tanya) Chapman, Johnele (Matt) Babcock, Brianne Sterzinar and Christopher Clain. John has one great-granddaughter Isabella of Florida. He is survived by a sister Dodie Graham, of Ft. Wayne, IN, several nieces and nephew.

He was predeceased by his daughter Margery (Ed) Chapman of Gaylord MI, his sister Ellen and bother-in-law Harry Henry of Ogunquit, ME.

John’s team of caregivers cannot be overlooked. The family thanks his daughter Diane and her husband Tim Clain for their caring nature as John transitioned to the afterlife. We also acknowledge his in-home care provider Ina Cassidy, who showed much love and compassion.

Calling hours will be on Friday, June 6th from 4-7PM at Trainor Funeral Home, Schuyler St., Boonville.

Friends and relatives are invited to celebrate John’s life with a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, June 7th at noon at St. Joseph’s Church, Boonville. Interment and a military honors ceremony will immediately follow near the hilltop Veteran’s Memorial at the Boonville Cemetery. A Celebration of John’s Life will be held at the Boonville Elks Lodge #2158 on Rt. 12, starting around 1:30PM