John T. Nieckarz, Sr.

John T. Nieckarz, Sr., passed away on Sunday, October 18th at his home with his loving family by his side after a year long battle with Mesothelioma. He was born on February 2, 1935 in Schenectady, the son of Michael and Josephine Kolakowski Nieckarz. He graduated from Draper High School in 1952 and was then accepted into the General Electric Apprentice Program. After graduating from the apprentice program in 1956, he served active duty in the Vietnam War for six months before being returned to reserve status. His career at GE took him overseas to Italy, Japan and France from 1959-1969. With a unquenchable thirst for learning, he returned to college and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from the College of St. Rose in 1988 and completed MPA-MFA Production and Inventory Control training in 1989.

He married the love of his life, Lois Hartman, who predeceased him on June 25, 2008 after 52 years of marriage. His heart was forever broken but he remained faithful to God and based his life on positive values. Together, they raised four sons whom he loved beyond measure. He was always there to cheerfully lend a hand whenever needed, whether it was a remodeling project or practicing a new golf swing. He would be by their side, teaching, learning, listening-whatever they needed in hopes they could pursue and achieve their full potential.
He was a true outdoors man who loved hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, boating and gardening; he loved to bowl and golf and especially enjoyed these sports most when he was able to play them in leagues with his children and grandchildren. He loved vacationing with his wife, especially in Cape Cod with their dear friends Cameron and Mary Ann Jacobs and attending Siena Basketball games. He was a member of the GE Turbine Supervisors, Guilderland Elks, Nisk-a-mont Gun Club and POMC.

Despite an array of passions, his true pleasure was being with his family who were his top priority and who could always count on his unconditional love. Besides his parents and wife, he was predeceased by his son, Christopher Nieckarz. He leaves behind his loving children: John (Carol) Nieckarz, James Nieckarz, Steven (Tracey Nieckarz); his adoring grandchildren: John (Tenille) Nieckarz, III, Matthew Nieckarz, Jayme Nieckarz, Krystal (Peter) Scofield, Amanda (Steven) Julian, Keith Nieckarz, Megan Nieckarz and Melissa Nieckarz; his cherished great-grandchildren: Keegan Nieckarz, Brian Nieckarz, Vincent Nieckarz, Abbylynn Scofield and Alexander Scofield; His brother, Michael (Joan) Nieckarz; his brothers-in-laws: Joel (Florence) Hartman and Francis (Mary) Hartman; sister-in-law: Rachel(Charles) Slocik; former daughters-in-laws: Jane Nieckarz and Laurie DiPace; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins; he was also blessed with a loving friend, Linda Brassard, whom he cherished and loved like a daughter.

John's family would like to express their thanks to Hospice, and especially to nurse Joe, and aide Tulani, who supported and helped them so they could honor his wish to stay in the comfort of his own home while fighting this ravaging disease.

Services will be held on Tuesday, October 20th with viewing hours at New Comer Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Rd, Colonie, from 9:00am to 11:00am and a mass of christian burial at St. Madeleine Sophie Church, 3500 Carman Rd, Guilderland at 11:30am. Interment will be held at St. Joseph's Cemetary, 100 Kings Rd, Schenectady.

Memorial Contributions can be made to the St. Madeleine Sophie Church Building Fund, c/o Fr. Jim Belogi, 3500 Carman Rd. Guilderland, NY; Albany NY Chapter of Parents of Murdered Children, Inc. PO Box 506, Schenectady, NY 12301; or to the City Mission of Schenectady, 425 Hamilton St. Schenectady, NY 12305.