John C. Polulech

AUBURN | John C. Polulech, Chief Master Sgt. USAF Retired, of Depot Road, Auburn, and San Antonio, Texas, transitioned to his eternal life with Jesus on July 29, 2014.

John made the world a better place, gave great sacrifice, and as a first generation American and highly decorated airman, served our country with distinction, dignity, honor, and pride.

He was born in Rome, N.Y. on Feb. 27, 1937. The son of a Russian immigrant farmer, he grew up in Otsego County, N.Y. and learned the value of hard work. Upon graduation from Hartwick High School in 1954, he joined the U.S. Air Force. His brilliant military career in the Veterinary Service spanned over three decades. His career took him around the world; he learned to speak five languages, and served three tours of duty in the Vietnam War. John was accomplished in space exploration, nuclear, chemical, and biological warfare. In addition, he was an expert in the study of communicable diseases. John's career gave him the opportunity to run the military dog center and base veterinary clinics. Under his watch he was responsible for the safe handling and military food inspections along with finally teaching his career field.

Retiring from then Lackland Air Force Base in 1984, John was compelled to join the Department of Defense, where he served the Air Force again in Civil Engineering for the next 17 years.

John, "Chief" as he's so fondly remembered was an extraordinary man; full of life, compassionate and giving to those in need; a great jokester with entertaining stories to share. A true man of faith and a fine Christian Soldier, John sparked his love for God in all that knew him.

Chief was accomplished in all that he set out to do. He served the Grand Lodge of Texas Committee on Work, was Past Grand Master of the Lehigh Valley Masonic Lodge, San Antonio, 32nd degree member of the Helotes Lodge, Helotes, Texas, Great Worthy Patron of the Eastern Star, member of the York Rite 32nd degree, Scottish Rite, 32nd degree, and graciously accepted his membership in to the Red Cross of the Constantine.

As an avid hunter, he was proud to have earned his "Jagdschien" while stationed in Germany and proud to have been invited on many hunts. He was also known in Texas for hunting wild pigs; John shot the biggest boar in the State of Texas; the hide hangs in the Texas Game and Wildlife Museum. While he enjoyed thinning the herds, John took more pleasure in giving the game meat to the poor.

John loved the game of baseball and played the catcher position in fast pitch softball whenever he could be stationed long enough on a base to allow him the pleasure. The Bahamas and Griffiss Air Force Base served that passion well. Later, he became an umpire and enjoyed teaching kids the skills of the sport. He even got to become a Boy Scout Leader while stationed in Mississippi. Needless to say, his interests were many.

John's mother, Alice was an accomplished horse woman along with his sister, Beth, so it only came natural that John would become well versed with the horses as well. He rode up until last summer with no mounting assist at all.

Besides his parents, John and Alice, he was predeceased by his sister, Betty Jane Kogar, and his first wife of 47 years, Doris.

Left to cherish his memory is his beloved wife of six years, Cheri; his daughter, Alyson (John) Guerrero and their children, Lyndsley and Anthony, of San Antonio, Texas; two sons, Michael, of San Antonio, Texas, and Jay Wilcox and his two children, Camren and Addy, of Port Byron, N.Y.; brothers, Raymond (Flora), of Hartwick, N.Y., and Joseph (Joan), of New Woodstock, Conn.; sister, Beth (Michael) Worden, of Mt. Vision, N.Y.; cousin, Jeannette Pate, of Binghamton, N.Y.; special nephews, Quentin and Tommy; along with several other special nieces and nephews.

John also leaves his extended family, whom he considered to be his sons, daughters, and grandchildren: Tina Slate-Benton, of Theresa, N.Y., Gordon Bowen and Heather and Jason Fowler, along with their three children, Zac, Jake, and MacKenzie. He also leaves his best buddy, Douglas Riley (who said he'll meet him on the next shift someday), all of Auburn.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Amy Green and Hospice of the Fingerlakes, Dr. Scott Allyn for his skill, friendship, and compassion during John's illness, the Critical Care Team at Crouse Hospital, Drs. John Gullo and Stanfania Morbindini and their staff at CNY Hemotology/Oncology for their wonderful care and support.

A memorial service with military honors will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 2, 2014 in the Sennett Federated Church, Weedsport Sennett Road, Auburn, with interment at Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, Texas.

John hoped that in lieu of flowers, a contribution could be made to either the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, The Wounded Warrior Project, or the USO.

Arrangements are being handled by Brew Funeral Home, South Street, Auburn.