John E. Failoni

John E. Failoni, 95, passed away Monday morning March 7, 2016 during a temporary rehabilitation stay at St. Camillus. A lifetime resident of CNY, he was a family first, patriotic, take charge guy who valued the truth, spoke it directly and held strong opinions. For 68 years, he was blessed to have his beloved wife, Dorothy, by his side. She never failed to soften his rough edges and her prayers eventually brought him back to his Catholic faith. A product of the Great Depression, John always had a job or jobs, and many were physically demanding. He enlisted in the Navy after the start of WW II and served aboard a tanker, the USS Cossatot, fueling fighting ships of the fifth fleet in the Pacific and convoy ships in the Atlantic. Because John quit high school to work and help support his family, he stressed the importance of a good education to his children and paid for each one to attend the college of his choice. All the opportunities he did not have growing up, he gladly gave his sons and daughter tenfold. John was predeceased by his older sister, Anna (Failoni) Rauch and brother, Henry Bondoni. He is now home with his wife, Dorothy (Perotti) Failoni, and youngest son, Mark David Failoni. Both passed away in 2014. Surviving are his daughter, Doreen Marie Failoni of Syracuse; son and daughter-in-law, John Jeffrey (Yamila) Failoni of Clermont, FL; daughter-in-law, Karen Allen Failoni of Syracuse; cherished grandchildren, Michael Failoni, Justin Failoni (Sarah), Jamie Failoni (Jonathan) De La Rionda, Linette (Freddy) Matos and Alyssa Alverez; great- granddaughter, Leah Marie Matos; and several cousins, nieces and a nephew. Quiet, observant, physically strong and ambitious, John became an expert welder and construction worker. He built the first Failoni home, then a gas station next door which he operated for 11 years as an independent Mobil dealer. John always took great pride in maintaining his home and yard, family vehicles and vegetable garden. He was a "doer" with all kind of tools: he made things, fixed things, helped and advised others. Physically active until age 90 and mentally sharp, John was grateful that special friends Jack, Chet, Richard, sister-in-law Bernie and cousin Irene came to see him when he was confined at home. He appreciated great meals from nieces Cindy and Debbie, artistic cards and goodies from Cookie, the help of friends Forrest, Harry, Mario Jr. and Richard and next door neighbors Karen, Dick and Richard. Thanks for your care, Drs. Dubroff and Scalzo, VA aide Alonza, St. Camillus personnel and the terrific Syracuse VA Home-based Primary Care team with Dr. Chiang, the Best of the Best! We are respecting our dad's wish that calling hours be private. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, March 11 at 10 a.m. in Holy Family Church before John is laid to rest beside Dorothy in Greenlawn Cemetery, Warners. Please share condolences at www.BuranichFH.com