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July 16, 2013
John Woodward Hepfer

Niagara Gazette

NIAGARA FALLS — John Woodward Hepfer, 82, of Niagara Falls, NY, entered into his eternal life, after a long illness, on Tuesday, July 16, 2013, at home, surrounded by his loving family. Born on March 10, 1931 in Buffalo, NY, he was the son of John and Veda (Bohn) Hepfer. John married his loving and devoted wife, Hazel (Aswad) Hepfer, on April 12, 1958.

John graduated from the former Trott Vocational High School in 1948. He was a welder by trade and worked at the Niagara Welding Boiler Works until 1951. John was enlisted in the United States Navy - Air Transport Squadron One, U.S. Naval Airstation, Patuxent River, Maryland, on May 17, 1951 and received an honorable discharge on May 16, 1955. While serving, he was awarded the Good Conduct Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. John was also a member of the Niagara Falls National Guard. He worked as a mechanic at Niagara Junction Railroad until his retirement. John was an avid hunter and fishermen. Above all, he loved spending time with family and especially adored his grandchildren. John also enjoyed his volunteer work at Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center.

Beloved husband of 55 years to Hazel and loving father of Barbara (Robert) Viola of Lewiston, NY, John (Penny) Hepfer of Niagara Falls, NY, and Steven (Anne Marie) Hepfer of Niagara Falls, NY. John is also survived by seven grandchildren, Robert Viola, David Viola, Valarie Hepfer, Jamie Hepfer, Kristy Hepfer, Sarah Hepfer and Johnathan Hepfer; his sister, Linda (Jerry) Broeker of the Town of Niagara, NY, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister, Mildred (late Stanley) Sawyer.

There will be no prior visitation. A private committal service and interment, with military honors, will be held for the family in Riverdale Cemetery, Lewiston, NY. Arrangements have been entrusted to OTTO REDANZ FUNERAL HOME, 2215 Military Road, Niagara Falls, NY (716-297-9007). Memorial donations in John's name may be made to Niagara Hospice, 4675 Sunset Drive, Lockport, NY 14094.

To leave a personal message for the family, please visit www.ottoredanz.com and www.niagara-gazette.com/obituaries.

John married ASWAD, Hazel on 12 Apr 1958. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: VIOLA, Robert. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Penny. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: BEAHEN, Penny. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Anne Marie. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]