John J. Hedley

Hedley, John J. NAPLES, Fla. John J. Hedley passed away peacefully surrounded by his family in Naples, on March 2, 2017. John was the son of Sidney and Catherine Hedley and was born on November 4, 1935, in Buffalo, N.Y. He is survived by his loving wife, Karen Julien Hedley; two sons, Tim and Kevin (Kim) Hedley; a daughter, Deborah Hedley; brother, Tom Hedley; sisters, Janice Braun, Kathleen Hedley Sheckler, and Sharon Hedley. John came from a big Irish Family, and he was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Richard Hedley; and sisters, Eileen Hedley, Maureen Hedley and Patricia Shaw. John spent most of his working life in Troy, where he was President of Hedley Cadillac Oldsmobile. He was the consummate businessman and a loyal city leader. Forever a visionary, John recognized the city was in a declining stage and got busy doing something about it. His first leap into real estate development was the purchase of 433 River Street, the old Cluett and Peabody Manufacturing facility along the Hudson River now known as Hedley Park Place. Armed with his work ethic of "It can be done," John worked to put together partnerships and deals that would eventually fill the building with commercial tenants. Never one to sit idle he soon set his sights on envisioning a monorail from Green Island and renovating Flanigan Square and the Market Block in downtown. It was his love for Troy and his work ethic that inspired and rallied others to work together in laying a foundation that has led to the city's current success. John was a friendly, generous and humorous man that easily inspired others. His love of life was genuine; his friends and family sacred; his stories and antics brought infectious laughter; and his philanthropy was generous, especially to those who worked with youth. You will never hear an unkind word about him from those who knew him. He was loved and will be missed by many. His accomplishments did not go unnoticed. Honored with numerous awards including the Father Flanigan Award, RCCC Van Rensselaer Award, Director of Friends of St. Patrick, and the Troy Treasure Award; organizations appreciated his insight and his gifts. As a savvy businessman and a community leader, his talents brought him to Troy 2020, CEO, Sunnyside Center, HSBC Bank, Vander-hyden Hall, and the Seton Health Foundation. When his health began to decline, John and his family decided to relocate to Naples, where other immediate family members reside. He lived there for approximately two years and enjoyed the warm, sunny weather sharing his time with family and friends. After a series of health events, John went to be with his Lord leaving those behind to mourn his passing. There will be a memorial service at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 28 State St., Troy, at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, May 22. A Mass of Christian Burial for John was held at Ave Maria in Florida on March 7, 2017. He will rest eternally with his family beside him in Naples, Fla. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Heading for Home Horse Rescue, 683 Rt 29, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.