JOHN E. NIAL JR.
John E. Nial, Jr., age 85, passed away at the NYS Veteran’s Home in Oxford, surrounded by family, on Sunday November 29th.
He was born July 21, 1930 in Mount Upton, NY to John and Frances (Bourn) Nial. He enlisted in the Navy when he was 17 and served in occupation forces after WWII in Europe and Asia from 1948 to 1950. From 1950 through 1952 served his country overseas in the Korean Conflict and from 1964-1967 during the Vietnam War. John retired from Greene Technologies, Greene, NY in 1996.
He is survived by his wife Joyce and their son Kevin Nial and wife Frances of Norwich, and their daughter Kelly Jo Nial and spouse Terrell Rourk of Texas. Also surviving are his daughters Shara Dawson of Missouri and Shawna Beall of Florida and son John E. Nial III of Florida, step-children Susan Gracin-Sperry of Norwich and Cindy Burns of Texas, 6 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren, 6 step-grandchildren and 5 great step-grandchildren.
Also surviving is his brother Joe Nial and his wife Joyce of Indiana, sister-in-law Jane Van Boven of Missouri, and brother-in-law Raymond Van Boven and his wife Frances of South Carolina. He was predeceased by his brothers Jerry and Jim Nial and infant sister Constance Patricia “Patty” Nial and his loyal canine friend, Duke.
The Nial family would like to extend their gratitude to all the staff at the NYS Veterans Home in Oxford, especially those in the Pine Unit for their attentiveness and compassionate care. Arrangements were made by R.J. Fahy Funeral Home and it was John’s wish to have no calling hours. Close family gathered for a private remembrance. John will be remembered for his quick wit, love of animals, and cherishing his family. Contributions in John’s memory may be made to The Alzheimer’s Association of Central NY, 441 W Kirkpatrick Street, Syracuse, NY 13204 or to The Chenango SPCA, 6160 CR 32, Norwich, NY 13815.