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John Foley Obituary
This obituary was originally published in The Daily Gazette Co.
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Bob purrott
March 14, 2022
Hey John
Which Buick did you buy?
Ya . Red let´s go for a hot lap
Jim Filosa
May 8, 2017
Im sorry to read about johns passing.I know him from racing with his son at lebanon valley dragway in the mid 1990,s.I admired john He was a class act.I enjoyed talking to him about when he ran top fuel.
Jocelyn Shafer
April 6, 2017
He worked with my grandpa at John Foley's garage.My friend Sean Foley's father was John Foley.I am sad to hear that he had died a month ago.He is being said in our prayers at my school.My principal never forgets to say his name in our prayers.I smile whenever I hear his name at school.I am going to go to Church and pray for him wherever I am.I do not know him.Everyone who I pray for is such a good person like him.
Chris Meyer
March 31, 2017
My deepest condolences to the Foley family in this time of sadness. My mom, Carol, relied on John's talents and skills to keep many cars on the road longer than she could otherwise have expected. And I also owe John many thanks for the work he did on my own junkers when I was a high school student tooling around in questionable "classics". I've long since moved from the area, and only today heard of John's passing. My thoughts are with you all.
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Butch Fallon
March 30, 2017
So sad to hear of John's passing, he was always good for encouragement and wisdom along to all at the playground we all enjoyed-LVD. Our thoughts are with you all in these times. Butch and Kim Fallon
Anne Lumbra
March 29, 2017
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Boyd Anderson
March 28, 2017
John Foley, an example of integrity and a person who lead by example. One of the Greats.
All the people you have touched will miss you dearly !
Rachel Lumbra
March 27, 2017
In loving memory of a wonderful man and incredible friend. Your kindness will always live in the hearts of all those you've touched.
Dennis Hurley
March 23, 2017
To Diane, Lisa and Sean,
I was sorry to hear of John's Passing...
To me, he was always a giant of a guy. I can remember as a teenager going out to his family's house - hanging out while he worked on cars. I was watching perfection.
Myself and friends, Pete Perry & John Gonyea were in all of John..
Over the years, we all became wonderful friends. And who wouldn't love Diane - A sweetheart.. And of course their 2 great kids Lisa and Sean..
Great times together over many, many dinners and of course those crazy parties..
I'm sure he's talking to my Beloved Todd now - teaching him how to build a fast cars.
I will miss him..
nancie bouck
March 23, 2017
diane and family. i am so sorry to hear of john's passing. he was such a nice man, always smiling. prayers are coming your way for strength during this time.
Ian O'Connor
March 23, 2017
Diane, Lisa, and Sean, some comfort comes from reading all these entries in this incredible guestbook! John was a great man, and most all that knew him thought the same. When I used to hang with the Giguere brothers, he would always bust my chops for wearing sweatpants all the time, he would say, "when the hell are you going to change out of your pajamas!" I loved that guy, please know our condolences are with your family.
Jim and Lori Matulewicz
March 23, 2017
Foley Family- John was a great man and a fabulous neighbor. I will always remember his patience with my falling apart cars. He always had a smile and greeted me with "What can I do for you young lady?" He never said no. We will miss him and our thoughts and prayers go out to your family. .
Heather J. Pinedo-Burns
March 23, 2017
Dear Diane & Family, Our hearts go out to you at this time of loss. John was great man-earnest, kind-hearted, honest, and thoughtful. We were blessed to be neighbors and everyone at John Foley's Garage has been so supportive of our family. He will be missed by many.
John and Joni Oliver
March 23, 2017
His smile and laughter lit up anywhere was. I met him at the drag races, he was always willing to lend a hand or offer advice. Rest in peace. John and I send our deepest sympathies from Ft. Covington NY.
Jim Burns
March 22, 2017
Foley family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. John was such a true person, a giant-hearted man, a great person. I will always remember the kindness he genuinely gave our family and neighbors.
We will miss you, John.
Butch and Judy Russell
March 22, 2017
Sean: Please accept our deepest sympathy at this time of the loss of a great man, your dad. May you carry many memories of him everyday. Karen's Uncle Ray knew of your dad in those racing days and spoke a lot of your dad. Stay strong and know that your dad will be riding on your shoulder at all times. Follow in his footsteps and all will be good.
Peter Shields
March 22, 2017
To the family and friends of John Foley:
By way of introduction, I am Pete Shields, Ford Lover and carrying opposing brand name affection to that held by John. Also Cryogenic Physicist, ret, and a voice from the misty past, c.60 years ago. Veteran of Washington Ave Drags, Depot Road Drags, South Glens Falls, Dover, Orange, Cicero, Fonda, and Atco Dragways. I, also, consider Ron Abbott to be a good friend.
A loss, on my personal side, is never having had a heart-to-heart talk with John regarding his incomprehensible attraction to things Bow Tie. After all, the blue oval is a far more distinguished symbol.
To be sure, John was a fair, honorable, highly skilled, and decent man. A pleasure to have known him but, unfortunately, geography too often gets in the way of pursuing friendships. I do pray that Christ has welcomed John into his kingdom. Surely, a good man such as John will have no difficulty making many associations of like mind in the hereafter.
All that have known John have been blessed with knowing the best.
Pete Shields
Reading, Massachusetts
Ed Ardizone
March 22, 2017
Our condolences go out to the whole family. John and I go back a long way. Many great memories from drag racing to working on cars and sodas at the Toll Gate. He was truly a genuine person and a great friend.
Ed and Jan Ardizone
Tj Johnstone
March 22, 2017
So sorry for your loss,your dad was always smiling every round you won,he would have a grin from ear to ear and give me the thumbs up, will be greatly missed,thought and prayers for you all...
Tj Johnstone
Terri Fox
March 22, 2017
Mr. Foley was a giant of a man, possessing qualities hard to find nowadays. You could count on him to always be honest and cheerful. And over the past 20 years, he kept me safe on the road even though my cars were not always the best. We were fortunate to have had him for as long as we did and we thank God that Sean is just like him. Thank you, Mr. Foley, for all you've done over the years. We will miss you.
Maura Bellanger
March 22, 2017
John has saved me so many times with my automobile adventures. He was a kind and honest man and I will never forget him. Sean you follow so closely in his footsteps! God bless you and your family at this very difficult time and always. Love Maura Bellanger.
March 22, 2017
We're so sorry for your loss, John was a wonderful person, we had many great memories over to Lebanon Valley with him and Sean, May the Lord be with you all and give you comfort and peace. Love Tom and Denise (skinnie Minnie racing)
March 22, 2017
We are so sorry for your loss and will keep you all in our prayers Tom and Denise Johnstone
Kathleen PERY
March 22, 2017
TO THE FOLEY FAMILY..My condolences go out to all.JOHN HAS BEEN SO GOOD TO EVERYONE,In life we meet alot of people JOHN WAS Loved Respected.and a great man.and Mechanic,a unique man.ONCE I brought my Tauris in,I think He did cpr on it,he knew i needed so bad.He will be missed very much,SEAN YOU ARE DOING GREAT YOU ARE YOUR FATHERS SON,PRAYERS COMING YOUR WAY...
March 22, 2017
Ann and I are saddened to hear the news of John's passing. He meant so much to so many. Our condolences and prayers go out to his loving family.
Ann & Terry Ulion. (Mechanicville)
March 22, 2017
We are very sorry for your loss. He was a great man! We will be praying for you. The Jeff Huse Family
Kermit MacMillen
March 22, 2017
I have many memories of our fun days in school. A great guy with a generous heart.
Art LeMay
March 22, 2017
Mr Foley as my father introduced me to when I was a youngster with my first car said he will be able to fix whatever you do to it along the way. He was right! Mr Foley always took care of all of the LeMay cars and even to this day Sean still handles the repairs on Moms car. He will be missed God bless the family! Lisa, Sean and Momma Foley.
John & Maura (Sheehan) Barrett
March 22, 2017
We are so very sorry to hear of the passing of John. Keeping you in our prayers during this difficult time.
Steve Robelotto
March 22, 2017
My condolences to the family. He will be missed. John was a staple at LVD race track.
Daniel DeFilipps
March 22, 2017
God bless you John. My family lived in the house next to the garage back in 1967 or so. He was a great man. He is in our thoughts and prayers.
Donna Haggerty-Bianchini
March 21, 2017
John Foley was such a legend in our family. He was so kind, helpful, generous and the best mechanic we have ever known. Honest as the day is long. God bless you always in heaven. Peace to your family on earth. Thank you John Foley. We truly loved you.
The Don Lawrence and Donna Haggerty families.
lou & susan DOMANICO
March 21, 2017
I will miss his humor and tolerance for this customer's problems. A good man in every way.
March 21, 2017
John you were the best, sincere, honest and capable person I have ever known. You always had a kind word and a smile from ear to ear. You will never be replaced, You are and were one of a kind, you are certainly going to be missed by all. We all loved you, The Robert Albert Family.
Gaige James
March 21, 2017
John was a friend of the Gaige family for as long as I can remember.I have fond memories of him Walt and their parents. Rest peacefully
March 21, 2017
Our hearts are saddened. Condolences to the Foley family. Pat and Tom Lightbody
Nancy Daggett
March 21, 2017
A special man now brightens the heavens above. He will be sorely missed.
Our Condolences - the Daggett Family
Buddy DArpino
March 21, 2017
A class act whom would regularly help seniors for nothing. Giving and helpful man , who will be miss.
Patti and Bob Semp
March 21, 2017
So sorry to hear of John's passing. He was such a blessing to us all these years - took good care of our cars and trucks when needed, always more than fair, and always a smile and a genuine interest in how we were doing!
Cliff and Karen Barber
March 21, 2017
Sean and Family,
Memories are for ever and I know you have great ones. I fully agree with all the great tributes to John. No one was like him. Always explained perfectly what he would do and did it. God Bless. Continue on.
Mike & Sue Gallo
March 21, 2017
Our sincere condolences to Diane and the Foley family. We keep you in our prayers. We have great memories of John being full of good cheer, a great neighbor and businessman, keeping our cars running in tiptop condition! You will be missed!
March 21, 2017
We all loved John, we GCHS teachers who depended on him for vehicle maintenance in all weather and circumstances. A ready smile and humor. He will be missed. Wendy Coon Laribee
Theresa Kelly
March 21, 2017
"Goodbye Neighbor", John will be greatly missed by all.
Phyllis (Guyer) Allen
March 21, 2017
Always a Great guy, from drag racing with him and friends in the 50's on Depot Rd. as well as Central Ave , Albany, to later keeping my older cars running. RIP, John.
Guy Coburn
March 21, 2017
John was a great person and an even better mechanic. I remember him racing his first Corvette on the "depot road: back in, I think 1953, and later that year at "Daytona". Rest in peace John.
Vaclav Sotola
March 21, 2017
I am very sorry for your loss. He was great human being.
Fred Horton
March 21, 2017
Our thoughts and prayers go out to John's family.As a new comer to Foleys, I knew there was no better place to have coffee, good talk and some laughs, also get the car or truck serviced. All memories of someone who loved life and shared it with us. Thank you John. Sean is doing a great job trying to fill Dads shoes.
March 21, 2017
It is always so sad to hear of the loss of a loved person. There never seems to have been enough time with them. We look forward to the promise held out at Job 33:25. We hope you can also find comfort in these words.
Bill Oliver
March 21, 2017
Sorry to hear of Johns passing. He was a great Man and one of the "Orginals". Sean carry on your Dads traditions.
Alesia Rivers
March 21, 2017
Sean and family,I'm so sorry for your loss John was a great man .Him and Sean were wonderful to my dad when he was ill .I will miss him when I pop in the garage he would always say how's the chariot running. May he Rest In Peace
Kim Elmendorf
March 21, 2017
Sean and Family - I am so sorry for your loss. Your father was a great man and well respected. My family had many cars worked on by him when my own father passed away and the only place my mother would even go! He was always smiling and so friendly. He will be missed by all who knew him. Know that he is now watching over you and the rest of your family. He will be your angel. God Bless and may he rest in peace.
Biff Horan
March 20, 2017
To the Foley Family,
We are sorry to hear of your loss! John was a great man with the type of character rare to find. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and we send our well wishes. Biff & Jillian Horan
Marge Bewley
March 20, 2017
So sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you. May good memories carry you forward.
Lou Spada
March 20, 2017
A valued customer that became a friend. John will always be remembered as a guiding light in racing and business. He was the best at both. God speed my friend.
George and Pat Webb
March 20, 2017
To the Foley family
As we can not be with,we send our prayers and condolences. John,like the cars he worked on,was a classic and we will all miss his smiling face.
God bless you John Foley.
Pat and George Webb
Jen & Bob Giuliano
March 20, 2017
Dear Sean and Family - We are so very sorry to hear about John's passing and send our deepest condolences. We will cherish the fond memories we have of him - Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Karen Stempel-Beach
March 20, 2017
I remember that smile so well...and his endless patience with the "Stempel girls" who knew nothing about cars...
A profound loss to his loved ones and to the community. My deepest condolences to John's family and friends. May you find peace in his memory.
Cheryl DeCarter
March 20, 2017
My thoughts and prayers to your family. I knew him to be the best mechanic. He was a very kind man and could always count on Foleys to fix any problems with my cars. He will truly be missed.
Michael Derry
March 20, 2017
John was an honest man and a great mechanic. He did repair work for me over a span of 40 years. Most recently he could have charged me for an expensive repair (fraudulently) but did the right thing and did the proper repair at a small portion of the possible cost. A great loss to our community.
Ray & Lori Butler
March 20, 2017
With deepest sympathy to the Foley family.
Sean,
The excitement and passion your dad had while watching you race will be cherished forever!
Michele and Rich Loucks
March 20, 2017
So deeply sorry for your loss. John was a kind man to all. May he rest in peace. Thoughts and prayers to all of you. Love and sympathy...
March 20, 2017
Diane, Lisa and Sean, Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Sending you love and light.
Lisa and Gail Norris
Bill Quay
March 20, 2017
Sean, your Dad was the greatest.
All of us will treasure the grand memories we have of him.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Joe & Dawn Abbruzzese
March 20, 2017
Diane, Sean and Lisa we are so sorry to hear of John's passing. The memories are many of such a wonderful friend. He was always there for us and I can't ever remember him telling me no, it was always come on over!! He will be missed by all, may he Rest in Peace.
Michael Holt
March 20, 2017
To the Foley family our thoughts and prayers are with you. John was a true man of character and someone you trusted. Like so many others our families were safe due to his honesty and great work on our vehicles, which is still alive with Sean. Heaven is a little brighter!
March 20, 2017
Dear Diane and family, so sorry for your loss, such good times with you and John, you are in our thought and prayers,
Irene and Tom Dambrosio
russ ferris
March 20, 2017
It's been a long while since speaking with John, but I will always remember his dry sense of humor and his tremendous mechanical abilities.He kept my '59 chevy from falling apart when I could not afford another car. He will be missed.
March 20, 2017
While I moved from Altamont years ago the reputation of friendly service on my 66 GTO and 67 Ford GT500 were always remembered. Also, the years he kept my 53 chives runs as I commuted to college. John's reputation is Gold, how people cared for others always mattered.
John will be remembered for his impact on his customers and friends. A special legacy.
Esther and Dick Cornell
March 20, 2017
Sean and Family,
Please know how sad we were to learn of John's passing. We will keep him in our thoughts and prayers
Don & Babe Fish
March 20, 2017
Sorry to hear the news. We loved seeing John at Lebanon Valley. Will be so missed.
John Cole
March 20, 2017
He was a great man -- not many are...
Richard Lasselle
March 20, 2017
John's business model is one you don't find anymore. If you focus on serving the customers, the money will take care of itself. Sean runs the business the same way.
John is a pillar of the community. Is there anyone else who is so universally adored and respected? No, there isn't.
March 20, 2017
So sorry to hear of your dad's passing..as you know he and my dad had a wonderful bond. My mom suffered with this terrible disease as well and just passed. I send you my sincere and warmest thoughts Sean.
Jan Rapoport Hunt
March 20, 2017
My thoughts and prayers are with you. May he rest is peace Ben and Alice Zayac
Tara Carman - Stevens
March 20, 2017
It was with great sadness to hear of Mr. Foley's passing. I have very fond childhood memories of going to Foley's Garage with my Father and also stopping up to his parents to sell Girl Scout cookies. I will never forget his smile!!
My condolences to the Foley family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all!
Cheri Smith
March 20, 2017
Diane and family:
Sorry to hear of your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Cheri Smith
Tim Tassmer
March 20, 2017
I am deeply saddened by the passing of John, The memory of him as a proud Dad each time the win light popped on in the Team Foley lane continues to hold a place in my heart. Most sincere condolences to the entire family! -Peace my friend
March 20, 2017
To Sean and Family - We are so very sorry for your loss - we loved your Dad-With Symnpathy- Cathy, John and Chris Lawler
Jim Seabury
March 20, 2017
Foley family,
It's terrible to hear about your loss and I express my sincere sympathy to you all.
Phil & Linda Carducci
March 20, 2017
Sean and the Foley family - we will miss John so much. Over the years, he was always a stand-up guy, sponsor and a true friend. One of the nicest people to ever walk this Earth. Keep smiling John...
Rudy Zwicklbauer
March 20, 2017
Such sad news to learn of John's passing and his struggle with Alzheimer's. I have many wonderful memories of John, including his and Diane's wedding day. My sincere condolences to Diane, Lisa and Sean. May you cherish wonderful memories of a wonderful man.
Rudy Zwicklbauer, Mara and Kurt
Doug & Midge Marshall
March 20, 2017
I choose to remember the good times, the good man, the gentleman. The man who worked at what he loved to do, and who wasn't afraid to get his hands dirty. John did good work, honest and fair.
Well done John, we all will miss you.
March 20, 2017
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Mr. Foley was a very kind and gentle spirit with a big smile for everyone. I will miss seeing him at the race track. Blessings to you all,
Gini
Tim & Sherry Rafferty
March 20, 2017
Sean, our love and prayers to you and your mom. Going to miss John.
Kelly Maxwell Vickers
March 20, 2017
Diane, Lisa, Sean, Tyler, I'm sorry for your loss, I will always remember his beautiful smile and taking Billy under his wing. R.I.P.
March 20, 2017
We are so sorry to hear of John's passing. What a kind, wonderful man.
Erin & Alan Christner
March 20, 2017
Diane,Lisa,Sean,and Tyler, I'm so sorry for your lost, I will always remember his Beautiful smile and taking Bill under his wing. R.I.P John.
March 20, 2017
John... You are the best craftsman and artisan with all things mechanical I will ever know. Your kindness, your wry wit and caring for others is unmatched. You are an original and will be missed by all of us who know you.
You left us on St. Patrick's Day and we will hoist our glasses with nary a dry eye as we salute the life of one of our finest.
Godspeed, John.
Liz and George Hemstead
Donna Greenwood
March 20, 2017
So sorry to hear of John's passing. Such a great man - he will be missed by all who knew him. Condolences to Diane, Lisa and Sean
Mike and Darlene Leto
March 20, 2017
Foley Family, We were sadden by the news of Johns passing and we're sending our prayer to your Family. What an amazing man John was as a machanic and friend, as he passed his talent and kindness down to his son Shawn. Our Prayers are with you.
Betsy and Gary Bates
March 20, 2017
God has given His angel wings. Sean, you and your dad and staff are just the best. He is racing with some of the best now.
March 20, 2017
Our hearts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time. John will be so greatly missed.
Mark and Margie Applegate
March 20, 2017
He will be missed by many! Our thoughts are with you, Bonnie and Eric.
Phil & Renee Crisafulli
March 20, 2017
Di and family....
We were so sorry to hear of John's passing. We will miss his quick wit and great smile. Cheers to the life of a man who make the world a better and brighter place.
jackie and Ida flansburg
March 20, 2017
Our thoughts and prayers to the Foley family. Such a wonderful guy.
Janelle Lyons
March 20, 2017
Diane and family,
Thinking of you all during this difficult time.
Janelle and Joe Lyons
March 20, 2017
We are so sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in the "God of all comfort." Respectfully.
March 20, 2017
Diane and Family,
We were so sorry to learn of John's passing. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Memories of John go back to high school when we would drag race our cars on the Depot road by the farm and garage. In later years we would always rely on John and Sean to care for our cars. John was an amazing person who used his interests and skills to make the world a better place for everyone who knew him.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May your fond memories console you during these difficult times.
Fran and Franz Zwicklbauer
Lou VanZutphen
March 20, 2017
John was a legend in his own time. Thank you for all you have done for me over the years. May you rest in peace.
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