Obituary of Leon G Angelo

Jake Angelo of Apalachin, NY, at the age of 88, entered heaven's gates on the morning of September 28, 2021 and is resting safely in his father's arms. He was predeceased by his parents; Louis and Annabell (Ketchum) Angelo, his first wife, Antoinette (Argento), his siblings; George Angelo and Rose (Angelo) LaZenka, and his father in-law, Harry Stratton. Jake is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Nancy (Stratton), his mother-in-law, Ethel Stratton, his daughters; Leona (Al) Deming, Laurie (Rodney) Valentine, Cindy (Fred) Chandanais, Annette (Larry) Jennings, Marcie Angelo, his son, Jerry (Nicole) Angelo, and his grandchildren; Joshua (Melissa) Amato, Jacqueline (Cody) Vroman, Justin (Krystal) Jennings, Amelia (David) Edwards, Chelsea and (Ryan) James Chandanais, Abigail (Evan) Baker, and Michael Angelo, his great-grandchildren; Davina, Adalia and Everly Amato, Parker Hoover, Nevaeh, Kolton, Blake and Connor Vroman, Claire, Mack and Grace Edwards, Waylon Jennings, and his siblings; Lewis (Pauline) Angelo, Louise Moyer, Harold (Lucy) Angelo, Paul Angelo, Mary (Jerry) Hill, and Vera Richardson, his special niece, Debbie (LaZenka) McCoy, his brother and sister in-laws, Gene and Patti Stratton, Susan Tubbert; and a multitude of nieces, nephews, and cousins. Jake was born in Endicott, NY and graduated from Vestal High School in 1953. He proudly served for two years in the United States Army stationed in Korea as a track vehicle mechanic, and was honorably discharged in 1958 with the rank of Specialist 3rd Class. Jake worked for 39 years at IBM, Endicott as a machinist. After his retirement, he was known as "Jake the Van Man" while driving the bus for Castle Gardens Senior Living Center for 15 years. Jake spent many years as an umpire for youth baseball and softball leagues, 13 years as a high school wrestling official, and 40 consecutive seasons at the umpire position for New York State High School Certified Football Officials - Southern Tier Chapter. He extended his involvement with the Chapter for many seasons, observing and critiquing fellow officiating crews alongside his friend and comrade, Jack Sinchaski. Jake enjoyed mowing his many acres of lawns and fields and caring for his more than 600 blueberry bushes. He loved his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, often taking them for wagon rides behind his tractor. Jake was an avid fan of football, Syracuse University basketball, and the Boston Red Sox. While living in a household of diehard Yankee fans, Jake, along with his son-in-law Fred, held on tight to his loyalty to Boston. They even enjoyed a memorable game together at Fenway. At the age of 47, Jake came to realize his need for a personal relationship with God. He loved the Lord and was so thankful for his free gift of forgiveness and salvation. Jake was a member of South Apalachin Baptist Church for 40 years. He spent the majority of those years as an usher and was always a welcoming and friendly face for the congregation. The family wishes to extend a special thanks to the girls with Lourdes Hospice for their kindness, care and compassion. Calling hours will be held Monday, October 4, 2021 at 10:00 AM at South Apalachin Baptist Church, 4116 Pennsylvania Avenue, Apalachin, NY 13732, and a memorial service will immediately follow. Expressions of sympathy in Jake's memory may be made to Lourdes Hospice and/or South Apalachin Baptist Church.