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, March 3, 2012. John will forever be remembered by his devoted wife of 45 years, Ellen, and his two loving children Anna and John Christopher. He leaves his sister Lucy Geise; brother Vincent (Rosalie) Polimeni; brothers-in-law Daniel (Judy) Goggin of South Carolina, Patrick (Gloria) and Dennis (Cheryl) Goggin of Poland, NY, Alan (Barbara) and Michael Goggin of Cold Brook NY Dale and John Goggin of Utica, NY; sisters in law include Jean (Don) Dutcher of Cold Brook, NY, Sandra (Jack) Bell of Gravesville, NY, Dawn (Don) Oliver of Utica, NY and Denise (Michael) Crist of New York Mills, NY. 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 siblings: Dominic (Margaret) Canali, Josephine (Dominic) LeGrett, James (Margaret) Canali, Mary (Sebastian) Megale, Ann Canali, and Jeanne (James) Newell. Born, raised and a lifelong resident of Canandaigua, the son of Frank and Anna Polimeni, attended St. Mary's School. Upon graduation from Canandaigua Academy he entered the 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 1944-45. 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 GI Bill John obtained a Bachelor's Degree and joined several of his Canandaigua friends working for CH 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 the Canandaigua Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7414, was a member of American Legion Post 256, served on City Council in the late 1950's and 60's, was active with Troop 32 of the Boy Scouts of America, served on the Salvation Army Board and chaired the Bell Ringing Campaign. At St. Mary's, his parish from birth, he taught in the CCD program and ushered at Mass for many years. Friends may call Monday from 4-8 p.m. at the Johnson-Kennedy Funeral Home, Inc., 47 N. Main St., Canandaigua. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated Tuesday afternoon at 1 pm at St. Mary's Church, 95 N. Main St., Canandaigua. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery, Canandaigua. Memorial contributions can be made to the Sands Cancer Center, 350 Parrish St., Canandaigua, NY 14424 or to St. Mary's Church, 95 N. Main St., Canandaigua, NY 14424.