JOHN FRANCIS BILLION

BILLION, JOHN FRANCIS
Ocala - John Francis Billion, 86, of Ocala, FL, formerly of Syracuse, NY passed away peacefully in the company of his loving family on September 13, 2017 at Legacy House Hospice in Ocala.
John was born in Syracuse, NY to Fredrick and Mary Billion. He was a veteran of the United States Air Force. John was employed by the New York Central Railroad for 42 years up until his retirement. John continued to stay busy as he worked as a part time associate for Maurer Funeral Home in Liverpool, New York. For 25 years John also served as a member of the Liverpool Volunteer Fire Department.
With a strong penchant for lottery tickets and cigars, John was a fixture at the Galeville Grocery Store in Liverpool playing his lottery numbers as well as scratching off tickets. John was also a lifelong fan of the New York Yankees and Syracuse University, as he would always find himself never missing a single game of either team. He was well known wherever he was or resided, he was somebody who wouldn't hesitate the thought of talking to everybody that he met and making them feel welcomed in his presence as if they were a friend that he's known for years.
John is preceded in death by his parents, Fredrick and Mary Billion; his brothers, Daniel 'Danny' Billion and James 'Jimmy' Billion; and sister, Mary 'Honey' Billion.
He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Donna, of Ocala; daughter, Lisa (Michael) Vassallo of Ocala; sister, Ann Billion of Syracuse; granddaughter, Sarah Beth of Inverness; grandson, Michael, Jr. of Ocala; great grandchildren, Nicholas Michael and Madison Grace; and many nieces and nephews.
A gathering of family and friends will take place on Friday, September 29, 2017 beginning at 4:00PM at Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services, 910 SE Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala, FL 34470. A Celebration of Life service will follow beginning at 5:00PM. Donations in John's name can be made to Hospice of Marion County, Inc., P.O. Box 4860, Ocala, FL 34478-4860. Online condolences to the family may be left at www.hiers-baxley.com.