NORWICH – John Patrick Greeley, 91, a long-time and well-known Norwich resident, passed away Monday morning, Jan. 4, 2010, in the Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital of Cooperstown following a short illness.
Born in Boston, Mass., on July 1, 1918, John was the son of Michael and Delia Walsh Grealish. The family moved around as Michael took various jobs working on the docks; the family name was Americanized to Greeley along the way. John graduated in 1936 from Gorham High School, Gorham, Maine. He was a veteran of World War II, serving his country as an armored tank driver throughout Germany. During the Korean Conflict, he was stationed in Japan, supervising a military motor pool. John was honorably discharged in 1953 and continued a career with the military with the Army Reserves. After 25 years he retired with the rank of sergeant. Once settled in Norwich, he worked for John Shepler’s Garage in Oxford as an apprentice mechanic. He then went to work for Smith Ford in Norwich, where he became involved with the early Smith Ford Racing Team. In the 1950s he became associated with Cossitt Motor Express and its successors. This is where he furthered his education, becoming an expert in diesel mechanics. John’s first retirement was at age 67. At that point, John took sailing lessons, a life-long dream. He also started a new career at Binghamton Savings Bank, where he worked maintenance for over 15 years.
Throughout his years in Norwich, John was a very active and dedicated member of VFW Christy Rock Post 2782 in Norwich. He was involved with many of their activities as an officer and trustee. He was a driving force and valuable member of the military rites detail for deceased members. He was also a member of the Norwich American Legion 189. John was instrumental in establishing an Army training center in Norwich during the 1960s and served as an instructor. John was a self-taught and knowledgeable man who loved crossword puzzles. Because of his life experiences, good and bad, Irish wit and enjoyment of people, he had a large repertoire of stories and jokes that he was always willing to share. John loved the State of Maine and had many memorable vacations there with his wife Marian, family and friends. The Portland area was his favorite; he especially enjoyed taking the ferry around the islands. When riding the ferry, he shared stories of his vast knowledge of the area. People often mistook John as one of the tour guides. People gathered around him to listen. He was an original member and founder of the Polkville Ponderosa Club, where he was currently serving as an officer. This is where for over 40 years he enjoyed the outoors and countless events with family and friends.
On July 19, 1946, in Norwich, John married Marion Gibbon, who predeceased him on March 16, 2009 after 62 years together. John is survived by their children: Linda Natoli and husband Richard Natoli, John Greeley Jr. and wife Betsy, Phillip Greeley and Patty Enslow, all of Norwich, Timothy Greeley and wife Patty of Lockport, Peter Greeley and Nancy Fuller of Unadilla; and by grandchildren: Christopher Greeley, Nicholas and Vincent Natoli of Norwich, Tracy Greeley of New York City, Cameron and Michael Greeley of Lockport. Also surviving is John’s sister, Annie Greeley McDonnell of Georgia, and many nieces and nephews. John was predeceased by his granddaughter, Mary Greeley Michaels, and his brother, James Greeley.
Friends are invited to attend calling hours at the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday. A funeral mass for John will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Norwich. The Rev. Douglas Cunningham will officiate. Interment with full military rites will be in the spring in Mt. Hope Cemetery.
John’s family has requested that memorial contributions be directed to the VFW, 61-63 East Main St., Norwich, NY 13815, marked for the VFW Scholarship Fund, in memory of John Greeley.