John V. Favitta

John V. Favitta, 88, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 4, 2010 surrounded by his loving family. John was born in Cobleskill, NY to the late Salvatore and Mary (Ragone) Favitta. In addition to his parents, John was predeceased by his son, Jeffrey, his brother, Lorenz and his sister, Mary Ann.
John graduated Valedictorian from Cobleskill High School and received a Bachelors and Masters degree from Syracuse University. He enlisted into the United States Army and attended the Officer Candidate School, then was honorably discharged as a 1st Lieutenant, Signal Corps after serving in WWII in the Philippines and Korea. John taught high school science in Gorham, NY. In 1952, he moved to Goshen, NY, where he taught science and served as Chairman of the Science Department. He joined the New York State Education Department in 1959 as an Associate in Science and retired after 24 years. John loved to travel, enjoying cruises to the Caribbean and Europe, ballroom dancing with Al Cavelieri's High Society, L'Allegro and the Cotillion dance clubs. John was proud of his sons and took great pride in their accomplishments.
John was the loving husband of, Dorothy (Gage) Favitta; beloved father of Stephen (Rhonda) of Wichita, KS, Michael (JoAnn) of Raleigh, NC, Leigh (Patricia) of Niskayuna, NY, and was the cherished grandfather of, Michael L., Lisa (Chris) Leedom, Jeffrey R., Daniel, Thomas and William.
A memorial service will be held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Upstate New York/ Vermont Chapter 5 Computer Drive West, Suite 100 Albany, NY 12205 in remembrance of Lorenz and in John's honor.