Obituary of John J. Podany

John J. Podany John J. Podany, Endicott, passed away peacefully February 6, 2014 after a long illness. John was predeceased by his parents, Mary and Michael; and sister, Margaret Love; and his sister-in-law, Ruth Blose. John is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Esther and their children, Catherine (Andrew) McLaughlin, Michael (Donna) Podany, Theresa Gracin, Mary (Edward) LaPorte, and Charles Podany. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Joshua, Melissa, Marcy, Michael, Douglas, Chelsea, and Caryn; and 10 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Betty (Dave) Sibley; brother-in-law, Clarence Love; several nieces, nephews, and cousins; and very dear friend, Helen Bardis. Born in Czechoslovakia, John immigrated to the US as a child and was raised in Binghamton, graduating from Binghamton North High School. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II in the Africa, Italy, and Okinawa theaters. John retired from IBM after 40 years of outstanding service. He was also a longtime member of the West Corners Fire Company and a member of the Southerntiersmen Barbershop Chorus. John enjoyed spending time with his family, camping, boating, fishing with his lifelong friend, Ade, traveling the world and making new friends, and gardening. He loved the outdoors. His legendary homemade chicken soup will be dearly missed. He was a kind, patient, gentle man with a great sense of humor, an enduring sense of adventure, and a true love and joy of family and country. He always had a smile on his face, a skip in his step, and a hand out to help others. He was a happy man. The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the caring and dedicated aides and staff at the Vestal Park Rehabilitation and Nursing Center and Elizabeth Church Manor for their compassionate care. Funeral Services will be held Thursday at 8:45 a.m. from the Coleman & Daniels Funeral Home LLC, 300 E. Main St., Endicott, and 9:30 a.m. at Church of the Holy Trinity, Binghamton, where a Funeral Mass will be celebrated. Burial will be in Vestal Hills Memorial Park with full Military Honors. The family will receive friends at the Funeral Home Wednesday from 4-7 p.m. Donations in his memory may be made to the West Corners Fire Company, 500 Day Hollow Rd, Endicott, NY 13760.