John Ronald Senick

TROY - John Ronald Senick, 90, of Troy, NY, passed away peacefully on April 19, 2025, at the Veterans Hospital in Albany, NY, after a brief battle with cancer. In his final moments, during prayer with his niece Melissa Alleva, he gave his life to Christ, with his sister Suzanne (Senick) Novak and brother-in-law Stanley Novak by his side. Born on February 2, 1935, in Troy, NY, to the late John and Anna (Russak) Senick, he was predeceased by his brother Fredrick W. Senick, wife Joan (LaMalfa) Senick, stepson Terry J. Senick, and brother-in-law Edward F. Kucskar. John grew up in Maplewood, attending Maplewood School and Watervliet High School, where he played soccer, served as senior class president, and graduated in 1952. He briefly attended Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute before joining the United States Air Force, serving in England and Plattsburgh, NY, where he met and married his wife Varian (Austin) Senick. John worked at the Watervliet Army Arsenal, graduating at the top of his machinist apprentice training class with the highest marks in its history. He excelled as a precision toolmaker for over 25 years, applying his skills to build equipment for the military. An avid outdoorsman, John enjoyed hunting and fishing with family and friends. He was a passionate horseplayer, frequenting the OTB in Lansingburgh and Saratoga Race Course during racing season, which he loved. A devoted animal lover, John cherished his three dogs, especially his "best friend" Jacques, who was nearly 18 when he passed. He also cared for domestic and wild animals, feeding them at his home. Survivors include his son John and daughter-in-law Maira Senick of East Greenbush; sisters Jean (Senick) Kucskar of Mechanicsville, VA, and Suzanne (Senick) Novak and Stanley Novak of Glenmont; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. Calling hours will be held on Friday, May 2, 2025, from 9:00 am to 11:00 am at McDonald and Sons Funeral Home, 870 Second Ave., Troy, NY. A memorial ceremony, led by V. Rev. Peter Olsen of St. Basil's Russian Orthodox Church, will follow at 11:30 am at Memory Gardens Cemetery in Colonie. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John's memory to the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society in Menands. Known affectionately as "Maddog," John was a beloved jokester whose humor brought light to those around him. Even in his struggles with life's challenges, he remained steadfast, reassuring his loved ones with a smile not to worry, as he is now in a better place, finally at peace and filled with joy.