Obituary of John Anthony Misko

John Anthony Misko of Grahamsville, New York, passed away on Monday, December 30, 2013 at Roscoe Regional Rehab and Residential RCF. He was 86. John was the son of the late John P. Misko and Olga Howanitz and born on July 30, 1927 in Eynon, PA. He was raised in the coalmining area of northeast Pennsylvania and, like his brother before him, proudly served our country in the United States Navy during 1945-1946 as a Seaman Second Class. After an honorable discharge he moved to New York where he eventually became the Supervisor of Maintenance at the Concord Hotel, a position he held for almost 40 years until his retirement. John was an active member of the VFW Bernstein Post for many years. At home, he took great pride and joy in maintaining the house and perfecting his lawn. He loved to ride his lawn mower and was always ready to spring into action after the rains had come. Like his father, John was an incredible handyman and carpenter. He fixed just about anything that needed fixing and was always happy to help friends who didn't have the same skills. In his spare time he enjoyed camping, fishing, keeping his tools organized, and barbecuing on the grill. Most importantly, he enjoyed spending time with his family. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend who will be deeply missed. He is survived by his loving wife, Thelma Misko at home, his children Elaine Kaiser and husband William, David Misko and wife Marina Peake, and James Misko and wife Jennifer, Barbara Maschio, Robert Botsford and his companion Sara Kelz, Betty Botsford, Bonnie Preston and her husband Stephen, and Michael Botsford and his wife Lisa. His grandchildren include Dawn Thompson, Adam Zingalis, Dorothea Kaiser, Samantha Kaiser, Jacob Misko, Nicholas Misko, Cierra Jones-Pugh, John Michael Botsford, Brittany Benton and Amie and Robyn Morganbesser. His great-grandchildren include Trinity and Maddox Thompson, Natalia Zingalis, and Easton Pugh. He is also survived by his sisters, Violet Shumski and AnnMarie Mahalik and her husband Robert. He was predeceased by his first wife, Jane Misko, and one brother, Vincent Misko. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Roscoe Regional Rehab and Residential RCF doctors and staff for their care, compassion and dedication throughout John's stay. Donations in John's name may be made to Roscoe Regional Rehab and Residential Counsel, 420 Rockland Road Roscoe, NY 12776. Visitation will be on Friday, January 3, 2014 at Colonial Memorial Funeral Home, 396 State Route 52 Woodbourne, NY 12788 from 3-5:00pm and 7-9:00pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, January 4, 2014 at 9:30am at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, 6317 New York 42, Woodbourne, NY 12788, with full military honors. Arrangements were under the direction of Colonial-Bryant Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, for further information please call 845-434-7363 or visit www.colonalbryantfuneralhome.com.