John A. Padula (90) of Endicott, NY passed into eternal life on August 11, 2014. John was predeceased by his wife of 39 years, Mary C. (Rotunno) Padula and his longtime partner, Martje Baldini. He was also predeceased by his best friend and partner-in-crime Joey Wagner. He is survived by four daughters and one son: Ann (Mike) Osborne, Janice (John) Pecen, Norma (Bruce) Gruber, Mary (partner Mike Bernard; Willson Malchak) Padula-Malchak and John (Charessa) Padula. He also leaves a brother, Armand, in Venice, Florida and six grandchildren: Dr. Daniel Osborne, Susan Osborne, Andreana (Patrick) May, Turner Pecen, Dr. Angela Gruber, and Marley Padula. John will be remembered as a man of quick wit with a penchant for good food and drink and a deep appreciation of classical music. With a knack for woodworking, he felt most at home tinkering in his workshop. As a veteran of WWII, John earned a Purple Heart while serving with the 66th Infantry, “the Black Panther Division,” during the Battle of the Bulge. While raising his family, John worked as an expediter with Singer-Link for 39 years. He also moonlighted as an accomplished baker of Italian cookies in the Triple Cities. Known as “Dad” or “Pops” to his children, John was a proud man who lived life to the fullest. He would be happiest knowing that rather than shedding tears, his loved ones shall eat, drink and be merry in his honor. The family would like to thank the staff at the New York State Veterans’ Home in Oxford, NY for the dedicated and compassionate care they provided John during his final weeks.
Funeral Services will be held Saturday at 9:30 am from the Allen Memorial Home, 511-513 East Main Street, Endicott followed by a Funeral Mass at St. Anthony of Padua Church at 10 am. Entombment will be in Calvary Cemetery, Johnson City. The family will receive friends at the Allen Memorial Home Friday from 6-8 pm. In lieu of flowers expressions of sympathy in his memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, or a charity of one’s choice.