John Telfer

John J. Telfer, 91, passed away peacefully on September 18th and is now reunited with the love of his life Marjorie. He is predeceased by his parents Vincent & Loretta (Thayne) Telfer, sister Rosemary Lafreniere, brothers-in-law Floyd Lafreniere and Edward Trojnar, his nephew Connor James Telfer, and Margie’s siblings Medi & Erwin Crippen, Joe & Lee Labesky, William & Jan Labesky, Hatsie & Willie Cantalope, and twins Jeanette & Johnny Labesky. John is survived by his four sons and their spouses: Matt & Angie, Bob & Debby, Bill & Angie, and Joe & Donna; grandchildren Marie & Brooks Rocco, Darin & Laura Telfer, Laura & Jason Radman, Amber & Dylan Pakkala, Patrick & Erin Sweeney, Ben Telfer & Ioana Sandru, and Natalie Telfer. His great-grandchildren: Jackson & Asher Radman, Robin & Melanie Telfer, and Nile Zane Rocco. Brothers and sisters Dolores Trojnar, Richard & Roberta Telfer, Dan & Evie Telfer, Kathleen & Mark Straube, and Phil & Vallie Telfer as well as his many cousins and beloved nieces & nephews on both sides of the Telfer and Labesky clans. John was born on December 29th, 1931, in Johnson City, NY. He spent his early childhood in Vestal Center with his younger sisters Rosemary and Dolores near his great grandfather’s farm. The area south of Vestal Center at the time was known as Feheley Flats and was named after his great grandfather, David Feheley. After several “mishaps” and a failed attempt to bring indoor plumbing into their house (which involved some dynamite), Vince and Loretta moved their family to Laurel Street in Johnson City where the remainder of his siblings - Richard, Danny, Kathleen, and Philip - were born. After attending St. James and graduating from Johnson City High School in January 1951, he joined the US Air Force. He was stationed at Sampson AFB in NY for basic training, and served at Sheppard AFB in Texas, Chanute AFB in Illinois, and finally on the flight line at Mather AFB in California as a Staff Sargent, maintaining B-29s and specializing in the Wright R-3350 radial aircraft engine. While in Sacramento he met Margie on a ski trip to Squaw Valley in the Sierra Nevada. They were married on June 18th, 1955, in the Sacramento Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament. After returning to the Binghamton area and starting a family, John and Marge and their four sons moved to Ross Corners and finally settled in Apalachin, NY in 1969. John and Marge were happily married for over 66 years. After graduating from Broome Tech in Electrical Engineering in 1957, he worked at IBM, first as an Electrical Engineer, and later in quality control and management, retiring in 1987 after 30 years. He had a unique way of looking at problems and coming up with solutions, which earned him many accolades from his colleagues. Dad had many interests, most with mom right by his side. A member of Our Lady of Sorrows Church for over 60 years, John served in the Adult and Bereavement Choirs and was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #4746. He volunteered with the Vestal Fire Department, Company #3, in the early 1960s; was Assistant Scout Master for Boy Scout Troops 222 and 225; a lifetime member of Vestal Elks Lodge #2508; past President of the Triple Cities Hiking Club; and a member of the senior guitar group at the JC Senior Citizens Center. He was an Adirondack 46er, #2046, and a founding member (and Chief Fine Fellow) of the Top Gun Hunting Club in Danby, NY. In retirement, John and Marge traveled all around the US seeing the sights and visiting their extended families. Never ones to miss out on some fun, they loved a good party whether it was a small gathering at their house, family reunions, Christmas caroling, or a big get-together at OLS. Dad later went on to write about his early childhood in his book “As I Remember It”. He loved adventure and never missed an opportunity to see new places and people, and passed that legacy on to all he met. But most of all he loved spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, and was truly dedicated to his family. Special thanks to the caregivers at Castle Gardens Keepsake Village; to the wonderful staff on Seton-1 at Lourdes Hospital for making dad’s final days comfortable and peaceful; and especially to all his wonderful neighbors over the years on Tobey Road.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, September 25th, 9:30 am, at Our Lady of Sorrows Church, 801 Main Street, Vestal, followed by internment at St. Augustine’s Cemetery in Brackney, PA. Calling hours will be on Sunday, September 24th, from 1-3 pm at Allen Memorial Home, 511-513 East Main Street, Endicott.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Our Lady of Sorrows Food Pantry or to a charity of your choice.