John J. Cervenak, 83, of Latham, entered into eternal life on Wednesday, March 20, 2013, at Mountain Valley Hospice in Gloversville after a year-long illness.
Born in Swoyersville, Pa., he was the beloved husband of the late Peg (Corcoran) Cervenak for 57 years, and the son of the late George and Anna (Feco) Cervenak.
John grew up in Swoyersville and Forty-Fort, Pa., graduated from Forty-Fort High School, class of 1947, and starred on the school’s football and basketball teams. He continued his education at Wyoming Seminary Prep and Wilkes College. He served overseas in the Army 1951-52 ending his service with the rank of corporal. John worked for Sears Roebuck & Co. for 35 years. He transferred to their Colonie store in 1966 and moved to Latham that year. In his retirement years, “Big John” played golf and worked part time at the Town of Colonie Golf Course. His true enjoyment in life was his loving wife, children and cherished grandchildren.
Survivors include his children: John Jr. and his wife, Nancy, of Lewes, Del.; Rick and wife, Beth, of Malta, N.Y. and Meg and husband, Derek Brown of Johnstown, N.Y. He was the cherished “PopPop” of Casey, Lindsay, Corinne, and Noah Cervenak, and Ryan, Kelly and Steven Brown. John was the brother of Anna Cervenak and Max Bartikowsky of Forty-Fort, Pa.; brother-in-law of Bill Corcoran and his wife, Alice, of Bloomsburg, Pa. He also is survived by many close family, friends, and neighbors who meant the world to him. John was predeceased by his brother, George Cervenak of Forty-Fort, Pa.
Relatives and friends are invited and may call Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Dufresne & Cavanaugh Funeral Home, 149 Old Loudon Road, Latham. Interment will be at Saratoga National Cemetery, Schuylerville.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in memory of John J. Cervenak to the Melanoma Research Foundation (www.melanoma.org/support-mrf/donate-mrf) or to Mountain Valley Hospice, 108 Steele Ave., Gloversville, NY 12078.
For directions, information or to light a memory candle for the family, please visit www.dufresneandcavanaugh.com.
