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John Runion Obituary
Binghamton: John Frederick Runion - August 10, 1941 - July 25, 2013 - The name John means gift of God. God richly blessed John with life and many talents and abilities that he shared freely with all he knew. His rich humor, faithful love, patience, tenacity, generosity, and peaceful spirit permeated all his relationships. His gifts of musicianship, carpentry and handyman skills, his gifts of encouragement and writing and teaching, benefited so many. John knew that his greatest gift from God was the salvation that Jesus won for him on the cross which assured him of eternal life with his Heavenly Father. He could echo with Paul, "For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain," and with Bach, "to God alone belongs Glory". Some of the people with whom he most enjoyed sharing are his wife of 45 years, Diane, and their children: Eric (Julie) Runion, Amanda (Dan) Svoboda, and Andrew (Stacie) Runion. Also his grandchildren: Isaiah Space, Jonathan Runion, Catharine Runion, and Elizabeth Runion, William Runion and Elianna Runion, and Cassandra and Faith Svoboda. Special and close friends brought him many joyful moments. His surviving siblings and their spouses: Gladys Williford, Margaret Millspaugh, Sarita Fiske, Stephen Runion, and Valerie Runion were major parts of his life. His pastor, Timothy Bennett and his church family gladdened his days. John is known my many as a music teacher of 32 years, a choir director of 34 years and a piano tuner and member of Main Street Baptist Church for 40 years, a fine singer, organist, gardener, and craftsman. Special thanks to all those who sustained us during his long hospitalization and to those who gave loving and individualized care at Lourdes Hospital - doctors, nurses, care aides, and chaplain. A Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday at 10 am at the Main Street Baptist Church 117 Main Street Binghamton. His pastor the Rev. Timothy R. Bennett will officiate. The family will receive friends on Monday from 6-8pm at the Barber Memorial Home, Inc. 428 Main Street Johnson City. Burial will be Vestal Hills Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, please give to the memorial fund of the Main Street Baptist Church, 117 Main Street, Binghamton, NY 13905.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Runion
Catherine/Bryon Williford/Seeley
August 6, 2013
Uncles John and Steve, with Aunt Sarita would stop at our house in NC every year on the way to Florida. I thank God for still knowing and loving them all; along with Valerie and Margaret. The circle of life goes on with all the beautiful grandchildren of us all. We love you.
Sylvia Moyer
August 4, 2013
To the Runion family,
I was one of Mr. Runion's music students in Whitney Point in the early 1960's. I can clearly recall particular pieces of classical music that were played in those classes which I had never heard before. Thank you for enriching the lives of so many students who had the privilege of sitting in your classrooms. My sincere sympathy to the family for your loss.
Joan Forshee
July 31, 2013
Thanks to Mr. Runion I will always be singing "Waltzing Matilda" "Bound for the Promised Land" and the Rachel/Reuben song!! It was 2nd or 3rd grade at Whitney Pt. School. Though I was extremely shy in school, for some reason I acted up in Mr. Runion's class. I wish I could say "I'm sorry" because I love music with all my heart and wish I had been a good student for him. He really loved and shared music and this what I remember the most. My sympathy to his entire family.
Leslie Anne Inman
July 30, 2013
Diane, Eric, Amanda, and Andrew, and families - praying for you all. My heart goes out to you and wish I could be there to encourage each of you personally. Rest in the knowledge that we will see John again and in the meantime, "for this we have Jesus" for comfort, for strength to carry on, for every thing we need. Love in Christ, Leslie
amy sisson
July 30, 2013
mr. runion wil be greatly missed. i am writting for my daughter and son in law who were married one year ago on 7/28 and mr. Runion played the organ at thier wedding making it a wonderful ceramony.they are in germany now but send thier love and prayers for his family.
Nancy (Colgan) Spisak
July 30, 2013
the Runion family:
I remember fondly my days as a student in WP having your father as my music teacher. So very sorry to hear of his passing. May his memories created w/all of you help heal your hearts.
Stefan Zier
July 29, 2013
I am so very sorry to hear of Mr. Runion's passing. My sincerest condolences to Mrs. Runion and family. God Bless.
Benjamin Kehl
July 29, 2013
Mr. Runion was my music teacher for several years. 20 years later I still hum tunes he taught us as children. God Bless.
Charity Mosher
July 29, 2013
Mr. Runion was my 4th grade band teacher. He came to our house and tuned our piano. He was a very patient genuine man. I was friends with and went to school with his daughter Amanda at Greene Central School. He will be missed and remembered by many people. To the family my prayers are with you.
Darlene Werlau Sheldon
July 29, 2013
John was a man of God.. He and his family were an example of Godly living when we were growing up in New Berlin. Thankful for the music he shared at our school and that Christ was the music of his life. We shall meet again in the sweet bye and bye. Blessings to the family..
The Millspaugh's
July 29, 2013
Dear Aunt Diane, Eric, Amanda and Andrew,
Uncle John was such a fun loving & spirited man...always doing silly things to make us laugh as kids. He was a wonderful man and passed that along to all of you. He truly represented a Christian husband and father. I know he is joyfully dancing with Jesus now! Please know that we are all thinking of you and praying for your comfort.
Love you all,Margaret, Roberta, Natalie, Nancy & Cindy
July 29, 2013
I remember John and the entire family growing up in New Berlin, New York, with fond memories. Even in our youth Jesus Christ was the center of his entire family and I am sure he carried that light with him in his adult life.My thoughts and prayers are with you all . May our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ comfort you with his love and peace that passes all human understanding. Joan Miller Emery
mary and Al Thompson
July 29, 2013
I see that the entry I wrote this AM wasn't signed - it's sent with love from Mary and Al Thompson
Todd Towns
July 29, 2013
Very sorry for your loss. Mr. Runion was my band director in Greene. The patience and love for music needed to teach a 4th grader to play an instrument is incredible. He certainly had both of those and influenced many lives. Know that he will be remembered by many.
Patricia Hayes-Worden
July 29, 2013
Mr. Runion was a wonderful music teacher, I remember being in the 7th and 8th grade chorus and doing Christmas music that was actually played on radio. Needless to say it took several tries before we got it right for Mr. Runion. A wonderful gentleman. Sincere condolences and prayers to the family.
July 29, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Runion family: John always represented a Man of God to all who knew him. We will miss his welcoming smile and handshake at the church when we saw him there---
Bill and Liz Cline
July 28, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Runion family. We enjoyed teaching with John at Greene Central School. He was a real gentleman.
Tabatha Reed
July 28, 2013
No words can express how much of a loss this is to so many. He was a blessing in so many ways and will be greatly missed. The Reeds will be praying for your family.
LLoyd & Lori Pratt
July 28, 2013
Steve,Erma,Renee and family sorry to hear of your loss.
July 28, 2013
So sorry for your loss. I remember Mr. Runion as the chorus director in Greene. I was a member of the chorus for yrs. there and enjoyed having him as our director. Mary Sullivan Barnes
Karen Sawyer Strenkert
July 28, 2013
I remember the phone ringing in the classroom when we were in Jr. High chorus. Mr Runion left without saying goodbye...his wife was in labor!! Very proud papa!!! Thoughts & prayers to the family.
Lynn Bennett
July 28, 2013
Amanda,
We are so sorry for your loss but understand that it is heavens gain. A father is precious to a family but knowing that your Dad is with his heavenly Father helps ease the sorrow. In the strength of the LORD you all will get through this difficult time. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all. Shalom and Love, Aunt Lynn and cousin Michael
July 28, 2013
So sorry to hear this..my condolences
judy howard
July 28, 2013
John was a very fine gentleman, he is with the Lord now. He will surely be missed. He was really blessed and talented in so many ways. Peace be with the family. God bless all of you!
Lesly (Bennett) Barnes
July 28, 2013
Amanda and family, We are so very sorry for your loss and grieve with you all. Oh the hope we have in Christ Jesus. Much love, Lesly and Sam
Janice Youngs Shipman
July 28, 2013
So sorry for your loss! Mr. Runion was my favorite music teacher at Whitney Point. I have thought of him fondly through the years. So glad to know we will see him in Heaven!
Steve Hermanovitch
July 28, 2013
John now knows what the apostle Paul meant when he wrote, "To live is Christ, and to die is gain" (Philippians 1:21). Though we are glad for him, he will be sorely missed. May the comfort and joy of Christ be with you and your spirits in these days.
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Barber Memorial Home, Inc. - Johnson City428 Main Street, Johnson City, NY 13790-1995
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