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- September 27, 2012
John Baronich, Sr.,
The Tonawanda News
NORTH TONAWANDA — John Baronich, Sr., 82, of North Tonawanda passed away on September 27, 2012, with his family surrounding him at Niagara Hospice House.
After his 1949 graduation from North Tonawanda High School, he joined the Army and served in the Korean War earning the Korean Service Medal and the United States Service Medal. He earned his Bachelors Degree from the University of Buffalo in 1957, Masters Segree in 1960, 2nd Masters Degree from Buffalo State College in Educational Administration in 1968, and his permanent certificate in School District and Supervision from Brockport State College in 1974.
In his early career he taught physical education and science at all levels at Lewiston Porter and North Tonawanda schools. Throughout his career at both schools, he coached swimming and produced All American varsity swimmers and divers and coached Lewiston Porters cross-country NYS State championship team. In North Tonawanda, he served as Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent and wanting to end his educational career involved directly with students, he retired as Assistant Secondary Principal in 1985.
John served his community as Director of Memorial Pool for over 20 years, Director of Family Swim Program, North Tonawanda Athletic Scholarship Committees, past Vice Commander and lifetime member of Stephen Sikora American Legion Post #1322 and Little Valley Cattaraugus American Legion Post #531. He was also a proud member of Third Ward Athletic Club where he enjoyed participating in the NYS Senior Volleyball Championship with his team, the Good Guys. John also proudly served and was a member of the Gratwick Athletic Club, North Tonawanda Football Hall of Fame Committee, NYS Teachers Retirement System, Little Valley VFW #8734, Amvets, Cattaraugus Fire Company, Dom Polski Social Club, and NYSSA Snow Bounders Snowmobile Club. He was also a Niagara County special deputy for the State of New York and an Eagle Scout.
John was happiest at his chalet surrounded by family and friends. He loved to feed the fish, chipmunks and birds, make his own maple syrup, hunt, snowmobile, and was a true lumberjack as he forested his own land. He remained athletic throughout his life and is known for his gentle, kind demeanor. He touched many lives with his gentle guidance as a teacher, coach, mentor, friend, father and grandfather. His was a true family man.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Stephanie (Capuson); and his three sons, John (Shelly), Dale (Debbie), and Joseph (Ronda). He is the loving grandfather of Michael, Alyssa, Emily, Maxx, Mitchell, Cody and Joey. He was the son of John and Mary (Gurba) Baronich; loving brother of the late Steve (Dolores), late Carl, Dorothy (late Donald) Schubert, Robert (Jo Ann), late Paul (Marion); and many nieces, nephews, friends and family.
The family will be present to receive relatives and friends on Saturday, September 29th and Sunday, September 30, 2012 from 3-8 PM at Colucci Funeral Home 652 Oliver Street North Tonawanda, (692-4917). Stephen Sikora American Legion Post will have a service at 7:00 PM on Sunday. Family and friends will assemble on Monday, October 1, 2012 at 10:00 AM for a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Jude the Apostle Church, 800 Niagara Falls Blvd., North Tonawanda, NY 14120. Interment service will follow at White Chapel Memorial Park, 3210 Niagara Falls Blvd., Amherst, NY. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Niagara Hospice House, 4675 Sunset Dr., Lockport, NY 14094.
Visit www.tonawanda-news.com/obituaries for online guest register.
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Abt 1929 - 2012 (~ 83 years)