John Adair Altemus

John Adair Altemus, 86, a longtime resident of Scotia, New York, passed away peacefully on October 10, 2025. He was born on August 16, 1939, to his late parents, Richard and Veronica (Boudreau) Altemus.
John married the former Patricia Ann Wells on November 5, 1960 and together they built a loving home in Scotia where they raised their family. Weekends often found him in "the shop" where he and his son Bruce would spend hours building and creating. He loved working on cars with his son Patrick, and shared a special bond with his daughter Kelly, filled with heartfelt daily talks.
John embarked on a fulfilling career as a Medical Technologist at Albany Memorial Hospital, where his precision and dedication made a lasting impact. Outside of work, he was a gifted craftsman whose love for construction led him to run a side business with his father and son. His remarkable skill in woodworking and home improvements can still be seen in the spaces he helped shape.
From a young age, John learned to sail with his father, exploring the East Coast and traversing Lake Ontario. In his later years, he found solace in fishing-a quiet pastime that reflected his steady, thoughtful nature.
An avid reader with an unquenchable thirst for knowledge, John's legendary sarcastic sense of humor was a hallmark of who he was. If you found yourself the target of one of his jokes, it was a sure sign of his affection. A brawny man with a gentle heart, his caring hugs will be dearly missed by his family.
John was predeceased by his beloved wife, Patricia Ann Altemus, with whom he shared a lifetime of memories. He was the loving brother of Lyndy Brantley, Leslie Pritchard, Richard Altemus, Frederick Altemus, and Edward Altemus, all of whom he held dear throughout his life.
He leaves behind his devoted children, Kelly Wayand, John Patrick (Gidget) Altemus, and Bruce (Christine) Altemus, who will forever cherish his guidance and support. His legacy lives on through his cherished grandchildren, Marissa Chunn, Brittany Wayand, Justin Wayand, Jacob Altemus, Dylan Altemus, and Ryan Altemus, and his adored great-grandchildren Skylar, Finnley, Grant, Jake, and Lylah.
Burial services at Memory Gardens will be held at the family's convenience. Memorial contributions in John's name may be made to: The Community Hospice Foundation - 310 S. Manning Blvd. Albany, NY 12208 To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John, please visit our floral store.