Obituary of John C. O'Day

ILION/MOHAWK – Mr. John C. O’Day, age 96, a lifelong Mohawk Valley resident, passed away peacefully, on Tuesday afternoon, January 11, 2022, with the love and support of his family at his side. His passing occurred at Valley Health Services, in Herkimer, where he has been a resident for the past few years. Born in Malone, NY, on December 3, 1925, John was the son of the late Thomas J. and Rose Anna (Menard) O’Day. He was raised and educated in Herkimer, attending St. Francis, Herkimer High School and then MVCC. On November 26, 1943, John enlisted with the United States Army and proudly served his country overseas during World War II. He received his honorable discharge, on June 9, 1946 and remained an ardent patriot throughout his days. He was a life member of the Crowley-Barnum American Legion Post 25, in Mohawk. On July 7, 1947, John celebrated the Sacrament of Marriage with the former Joan T. Mooney, when the two were wed at Blessed Sacrament Church, in Mohawk. Together they shared in a loving and devoted union of 65 years with 20 years spent in Florida until Joan’s passing, on October 19, 2012. A piece of John’s heart went with Joan when she passed and his family takes comfort that the two are now reunited in Heaven. John’s career was spent with General Electric in Utica, where he retired as an Engineering Specialist. He is survived by his daughters and sons-in-law, Mary Roseann and David Olbrich, of Concord, NC and Kathleen and Gary Tucker, of Ilion; his son, Daniel Patrick O’Day, of Herkimer; his daughters-in-law, Joan O'Day, wife of the late Christopher O'Day, of Canastota, NY, Dawn O'Day, wife of the late Thomas Willimas O'Day, of Baldwinsville, NY and Wanwiamone, wife of the late John Michael O'Day, of Milton Florida; along with many grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and a dear friend, William “Bill” Lehmann. Aside from his parents and beloved wife, Joan, John was predeceased by three sons, Thomas O’Day, John Michael O’Day and Christopher O’Day; two sisters, Marion Russell and Ida Crunick; and a brother, Harold O’Day. John’s Funeral Service and Celebration of Life will take place 10:30 a.m., Friday, June 10, 2022, at the Blessed Sacrament Church, Mohawk, where his Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Donations in memory of John may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Pl, Memphis, TN 38105, or the Alzheimer’s Association, Central New York Chapter, PO Box 12226, Syracuse, NY 13218 The family wishes to thank Valley Residential Services and Valley Health Services for their professional and caring staff during his stay at their facilities. The O’Day family has entrusted the care of their beloved father to the Enea & Ciaccia Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Road, Town of Frankfort, Ilion, NY (315) 894-8000, Harry and Kevin Enea and Martin L. Ciaccia, Funeral Directors. Online notes of sympathy may be left at www.eneafamily.com