SHERBURNE – John M. McDaniel, 90, of East State St., went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, May 30, 2012.
He was born July 10, 1921 in Sherburne, a son of Harry J. and Ellen Merrill McDaniel and was a graduate of Sherburne High School. John joined the U.S. Army during World War II where he served in the Philippines in the Pacific Theater of Operations. As part of the 233rd Engineer Combat Battalion attached to the 77th Division, he received the Silver Star for gallantry in action in 1942, the highest award given to a combat veteran. On July 8, 1950, John was united in marriage to Elizabeth “Betty” Tibbens in St. Malachy’s Church, Sherburne. Betty predeceased him on May 20, 2007. John’s family was his pride and joy and he took great pleasure spending time with them at family gatherings and barbecues. He enjoyed hunting and taking his annual hunting trips to South Dakota with his sons for many years. He was the owner and operator of the Sherburne News from 1953 to the present time.
John took great pride in his community and was always there to lend a helping hand where needed. He served as the Sherburne Town Clerk from 1953 until 2010, and along with his wife, Betty, was honored as Sherburne’s Citizen of the Year in 2006. He was part of a group that rebuilt the East State Street block following the devastating fire in 1974. Along with William Craine, Sr., he supported the Sherburne Inn to keep it open until a buyer could be found. John did the same for Chenango Valley Pet Foods when they were trying to buy the company from Standard Brands. He also was instrumental in the construction of the building now occupied by Mid York Press.
John was a communicant of St. Malachy’s Church in Sherburne. He was a 58-year and honorary member of the Knights of Columbus in Sherburne; a Lifetime Member, and the oldest member of the Sherburne American Legion Post #876; and an honorary member of the B.P.O. Elks Club of Norwich.
Surviving are his children, Kay Riddlemoser and Richard Kramer of East Syracuse; Linda and Richard Ketzak of Chenango Forks; Jay McDaniel, Jack and Kathy McDaniel, Jim and Diane McDaniel, all of Sherburne; David and Karen McDaniel of Clinton; Tom and Lynette McDaniel, Bob and Brenda McDaniel, all of Sherburne; Ellen and Warren Linhart of Manlius; his grandchildren, John and Stacy Riddlemoser, Rebecca McDaniel, Kyle McDaniel, Rachel McDaniel, Branden McDaniel, Bridgette McDaniel, Jesse McDaniel, Sean McDaniel, Nicholas McDaniel, Julia McDaniel, Miranda McDaniel, David McDaniel, Brent McDaniel, Bradley and Nichole McDaniel, John T. McDaniel, Elise McDaniel, Brett Linhart, Mike Ketzak, Bob Ketzak, Tyler Vanderwood and Kelsey Vanderwood; great-grandchildren, Trenton and Joslyn McDaniel; sister-in-law, Katherine and Earl Kurtz of Marathon; several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his brother, Harry E. McDaniel who was killed in WWII; and his sister Julia Briglin; and a sister-in-law Marie Suydan.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Tuesday from St. Malachy’s Church, Sherburne, followed by interment with military honors in St. Malachy’s Cemetery.
Friends are invited to call at the Burgess & Tedesco Funeral Home, 10 S. Main St., Sherburne on Monday from 5-8 p.m. The rosary will be recited at 4:45 p.m.
Contributions in his memory may be made to the Sherburne Emergency Squad.
To send a condolence or sign the Book of Memories online go to www.burgessandtedescofuneralhomes.com.