John B. Wilary, Jr., 75, formerly of Amsterdam, New York, entered into eternal life on February 13, 2021 after a long illness.
Born in Schenectady, New York, on August 24, 1945, a son of the late John B. Wilary, Sr. and Marilyn R. (Shafer) Wilary. He was a graduate of Bishop Gibbons High School in Schenectady, New York and Husson College in Bangor, Maine. He also served in the United States Army Reserves from 1969 - 1975.
John was a professional firefighter for thirty-one years and retired as Battalion Chief from the Amsterdam Fire Department. He was also employed by the Greater Amsterdam School District as a substitute teacher.
John was a communicant of St. Mary’s Church in Amsterdam, a 35-year member of the Free and Accepted Masons, and a past member of the St. Joseph’s Athletic Club in Schenectady.
John was a loving and dedicated father. It was clear to anyone who knew him that he took great pride in his family. John enjoyed the beach and cruising. His greatest joy was spending time at the New Hampshire seacoast. John was an avid sports fan. One of his greatest passions was “coaching” his children when they were young.
John is survived by: Carol Beth Wilary, his three children: John B. Wilary, III (Melanie) of Valatie, New York, Karyn Riba (Joseph) of Dade City, Florida and Kevin Wilary (Ann) of Amsterdam, New York; eight grandchildren: Ariana, John M., Lindsey, Gregory, Darren, Heidi, Ayden and Brody; a brother Thomas Wilary (Jeannette), sister-in-law Loretta Wilary as well as nieces and cousins. In addition to his parents, John was predeceased by his brother Stephen Wilary.
The family extends much gratitude to the staff at the Ghent (Whittier) Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Center for the dedicated and compassionate care given to John. Many thanks are also extended to the fourth floor staff at Columbia Memorial Hospital and to Hospice for their care and dignity provided to John during his final days.
Calling hours will be held on Monday, February 22 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the DeLegge Funeral Home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 12 noon at St. Luke’s Church in Schenectady with Father Donald Bourgeois as Celebrant. Interment will be in Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery in Niskayuna, New York.
The family requests in lieu of flowers, that donations/memorial gifts be made to Catholic Charities of Montgomery County Food Pantry, 1 Kimball Street, Amsterdam, NY 12010.
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