Obituary of John J. Congdon

CANISTEO: John J. Congdon, 81, of Bennett St. passed away peacefully Saturday, Jan. 6, 2018 at Elderwood at Hornell following an extended illness.

John was born August 22, 1936 in Hornell, to the late John L. and Pricilla (Smyder) Congdon. On October 31, 1959 in Chesterfield, S.C. he married the former Vivian Conkey who survives and resides in Canisteo.

John was a life-long resident of the Canisteo Valley who was a graduate of Hornell High school class of 1954. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving our country proudly from 1959-62. He had worked at the former Erie, Erie/Lackawana Railroad systems retiring from Conrail as a conductor after 40 plus years with the railroad. He was a member of the United Transportation Union, the Hornell Moose and Elks clubs and the Hornell American Legion. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, good times spent on Keuka Lake, watching the Buffalo Bills, N.Y. Yankees and Penn State college football.

In addition to his wife Vivian of Canisteo, John is survived by two sons, Thomas (Amy) Congdon of Canisteo, Brian (Marie) Congdon of Highlands Ranch, CO. one daughter, Patricia (John) Zanghi of Hornell, 7 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. He is also survived by a brother, Patrick (Chris) Congdon of Hammondsport, two sisters, Elizabeth (Dave) Sherburne of Hornell and Mary (Jim) Cleveland of Hammondsport. One uncle, Joseph (Dorothy) Smyder of Tipton, Pa. as well as several nieces and nephews.

Family and friends of John would like to thank the staffs at Elderwood at Hornell and St. James Mercy Hospital for everything they have done for us during the past months. Your compassion and kindness did not go unnoticed during this time.

There will be no calling hours or service at this time. A celebration of John's life will be scheduled at a later time and place this summer.