Mr. John F. Wojnas

MARCY - Mr. John F. Wojnas, age 85, passed from this life on Friday, July 28, 2017. Born in Newport, NY on June 27, 1932, John was the son of the late John and Victoria Wojnas. He was orphaned at the age of 10 and at the age of 14 he was self-sufficient working on a dairy farm. He graduated from Bridgewater High School and entered the United States Army. He was in the Army Infantry and fought in the Korean War attaining the rank of Sergeant 1st Class. John was awarded the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart among other medals. He was honorably discharged. He graduated from Mohawk Valley Technical Institute (now MVCC) with a degree in Electrical Technology. He married the former Joan Glod of New York Mills in the Church of St. Mary’s in June of 1957. Joan passed away in 1969. John worked for General Electric on French Road retiring in 1989 as a specialist in Micro Electronics after 33 years of service. As a patriarch, he was proud of all his children and instilled in them a work ethic that made them all successful. His children respected all that he did as a single parent and he meant the world to them. He kept a tidy home and a humble heart. He was a thoughtful, selfless man of unconditional love. John was trusting, often to a fault. He was one to give to friends and strangers alike. He gave from his heart and expected nothing in return. He was unassuming and didn’t realize what an impression he made on people. He never looked for praise; he looked for the good in others. John was one of a kind. John loved the outdoors and was connected to the land. He enjoyed hunting, coaching his children through baseball and basketball, and watching his grandchildren in all their sporting events. Even as a single parent, he always found time to travel and spend quality time with the boys when they were growing up. In general, he was happiest when he was working the land or cutting wood. That was his therapy. John shared in a 40 year relationship with his special companion, Jane Kutas. He was the love of Jane’s life, and they were committed to each other through the good and bad times. They always had each other’s back. They traveled, worked, danced in the United Polka League, and were complete in each other’s company. They built and worked the land in the town of Ohio that was their sanctuary. Surviving John are his sons and daughters-in-law, David and Pamela Wojnas, Kyle and Sherry Wojnas, and Scott and Teresa Wojnas; his grandchildren, Rachel Wojnas, Brian Wojnas, and Gary Cole; and his life’s companion, Jane Kutas and her children who were John’s extended family. The family would like to thank the New York State Police and the Sheriff’s Department for their empathetic and professional efforts during a difficult time. In keeping with John’s wishes, his family will honor his life at a private time. Memorial contributions in his memory may be made to Mother Marianne’s West Side Kitchen, 702 Columbia St., Utica, NY 13502 or online at http://www.westsidekitchen.org. Arrangements will be held under the direction of the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc.

Mr. John F. Wojnas

June 27, 1932 - July 28, 2017