John "Jack" Docko

Mr. John “Jack” Docko, age 60, of Utica, passed away on Wednesday, February 17, 2010 in the comfort of his home surrounded by his loving family. Born in Utica on April 26, 1949, John was the son of the late John and Mary D. (Renczenski) Docko. Raised and educated locally, he was a 1967 graduate of Notre Dame High School. A veteran of the Air Force, he served his country from 1968-1974 during the Vietnam Conflict. On October 17, 1990, in Las Vegas, he married the former Janet Perry with whom he shared 19 years in a mutually loving and cherished relationship; Jack and Janet were true companions on life’s journey, and they were inseparable. “I love you forever, with no one else, ever. Swear to God”. Jack worked as a supervisor in the Flux Department of the Indium Corporation for many years, until the time of his passing. An honest, faithful, fun-loving man, he was blessed with all the qualities of a true gentleman. He was a peacemaker in any tough situation, and he always shared a smile --- never a harsh word. As a child, he enjoyed camping with his family and years later, he enjoyed spending time at Hyde Lake grilling by the fire at the camp with his family and friends. He loved horse racing, games of chance, and nascar racing. He treasured his time with his friends, betting the horses and tipping a brew and most recently when the weather was nice he enjoyed sitting on his front porch socializing with his family, friends and neighbors. Jack was moved by his favorite music, “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now”, and “Hard Candy Christmas”, and Janet’s favorite song to Jack was “All I Want For Christmas Is You”. He was a member of the Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks Lodge #33, and was devoted to his Catholic faith. Jack is survived by his loving wife, Janet; his sister and brother-in-law, Sylvia and Bernie Sturr of Syracuse; and his special feline companions, Hanna and Reille. Survivors also include several nieces and nephews, especially Jennifer and Bob Perkins, Randy Sturr, and Bernie, Jr. and Kathy Sturr; great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and in-laws, June Vaccaro of Rome, and Phyllis and Joe Cardoso, Gloria and Frank Trotta, and Teresa Pabijan, all of Utica. He also leaves his special friends, Pat, Gene, Bill, Tim, Ike, and Maura. He was predeceased by his brothers-in-law, Wayne E. Perry, Sr., and Peter Vaccaro. The family is grateful to Dr. Naji El Khoury and his staff, especially Lisa Leone; Dr. Samir Desai, Dr. John Crawford, Lisa Hrynuk and the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center Rehabilitation Unit and the Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Departments, the St. Elizabeth Medical Center, the Utica Fire Department & Rescue Unit, and Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc., especially Julie and Justin, his primary caregivers. In keeping with John’s wishes, there will be no public visitation. By family request, please omit floral offerings. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend John’s funeral service which will commence on Monday morning at 9:30 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish where his Memorial Mass will be celebrated with Military Honors conferred by the United States Air Force. For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial donations in John’s honor to the Faxton-St. Luke’s Rehabilitation Unit; envelopes will be available at the service.

John "Jack" Docko

April 26, 1949 - February 17, 2010