John Francis Polimeni

John Francis Polimeni CANANDAIGUA - John Francis Polimeni, 86, passed away, to rest in the arms of our Lord, surrounded by all those who loved him deeply, on March 3, 2012. John will forever be remembered by his devoted wife of 45 years, Ellen; and two loving children, Anna and John Christopher. He leaves his sister, Lucy Geise; brother, Vincent (Rosalie) Polimeni; and brothers-in-law, Daniel (Judy) Goggin of South Carolina, Patrick (Gloria) and Dennis (Cheryl) Goggin of Poland, N.Y., Alan (Barbara) and Michael Goggin of Cold Brook, N.Y. and Dale and John Goggin of Utica, N.Y. Sisters-in-law include Jean (Don) Dutcher of Cold Brook, Sandra (Jack) Bell of Gravesville, N.Y., Dawn (Don) Oliver of Utica and Denise (Michael) Crist of New York Mills, N.Y. John also leaves behind Nino Spano, who he welcomed to the United States in 1967; and many nieces and nephews who were a very important part of his life. John was predeceased by his siblings, Dominic (Margaret) Canali, Josephine (Dominic) LeGrett, James (Margaret) Canali, Mary (Sebastian) Megale, Ann Canali and Jeanne (James) Newell. John, the son of Frank and Anna Polimeni, was born and raised in Canandaigua and was a lifelong resident. He attended St. Mary's School. Upon graduation from Canandaigua Academy he entered the U.S. Army Air Corps and served as a radar operator, making several trips to Europe aboard Victory ships to return soldiers to the United States in 1944 and 1945. After serving in World War II, he joined his family in several local business ventures, including a clothing store, dry cleaners and the Green Front Restaurant on Niagara Street. Through the G.I. Bill, John obtained a bachelor's degree and joined several of his Canandaigua friends working for C. H. Stuart in Newark. He also worked for the New York State Department of Labor as a veteran's representative and took great pride in finding jobs for veterans. John devoted himself to the Canandaigua community in many ways. He was instrumental in chartering Canandaigua Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7414; was a member of American Legion Post 256; served on city council in the late 1950s and 1960s; was active with Troop 32 of the Boy Scouts of America; and served on the Salvation Army board and chaired their bell ringing campaign. At St. Mary's, his parish from birth, he taught in the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD) program and ushered at Mass for many years. Friends may call on Monday from 4 to 8 p.m. at Johnson-Kennedy Funeral Home Inc., 47 N. Main St., Canandaigua. His funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday at 1 p.m. at St. Mary's Church, 95 N. Main St., Canandaigua. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery, Canandaigua. Memorial contributions may be made to Sands Cancer Center, 350 Parrish St., Canandaigua, NY 14424; or St. Mary's Church, 95 N. Main St., Canandaigua, NY 14424. Condolences may be offered at www.johnsonkennedy.com.