John C. Shulsky

John C. Shulsky, age 68, passed away after a two and a half year valiant battle against Pancreatic Cancer on Saturday, December 29, 2012 while surrounded by his loving and devoted family. He and his twin brother Jim were born in Utica on Thanksgiving Day, November 23, 1944, the sons of the late Andrew and Anna (Humphrey) Shulsky. He was a graduate of Whitesboro High School. When John and Mary met, John projected a good presence and source of humor, and Mary fell in love. On September 23, 1967 he married the former Mary Elaine Bogoshian with whom he shared 45 years in a true marriage and partnership based on love, communication, and their complementary cornerstone --- respect. With mutual interests, they balanced each other’s lives. John began his working career at Chicago Pneumatic and moved on to General Electric. He found himself at the pinnacle of his career while he was affiliated with the Indium Corporation of America, a company of which he was honored to be a part. John upheld traditional values and priorities in his faith, family, and friends. As a father, he enjoyed spending time with his kids, especially outdoors. He was also a skilled turkey hunter and deer hunter, a sport he pursued with his son Mark, his brother Jim, and his best friend Tom Rosecky. John has always cherished those times and memories. He was a member of Historic Old St. John’s Church. One could say that John was most proud of the life with which he was blessed, and by lending a hand or a listening heart, John did his best to be a “good man”. John was much loved and is survived by his caring and devoted wife, Mary Elaine; his beloved children, Tracey Appler of VA, and Mark Shulsky of Utica; and his cherished granddaughter, Layla. He also leaves his twin brother James with whom he shared a bond that only twins could share, and James’ wife Marilyn, of Whitesboro; sisters, June & Patrick Curley of Utica, and Doris and Richard Beyer of Whitesboro; numerous nieces and nephews and their families; his sister-in-law Susan Randall of Syracuse of whom he thought as a sister; and many friendships made throughout his life. The family is grateful to the Indium Corporation of America, and Greg Evans, and Karen Crawford for their unyielding support of John and his family especially throughout John’s illness. Thanks also to Dr. Atul Butala and staff, and Physician Assistant Windy Mitchell for their care, compassion, and concern. John and Mary would like to thank Diane and Shirley Ritzel for being both a good neighbor and friend. John’s request was to have no public visitation. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend his funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Thursday morning at 10:00 at Historic Old St. John’s Church where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. John Buehler and Rev. Paul Drobin. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of the service. Expressions of sympathy in the form of donations may be made to the Stevens-Swan Humane Society, the John Bosco House (for homeless boys), or the Hirshberg Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research in lieu of floral offerings; envelopes will be available at the church. Entombment will take place in Christ Our Savior Mausoleum at Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Eannace Funeral Home, 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave.

John C. Shulsky

November 23, 1944 - December 29, 2012