John J. Zupetz Sr, 78 of Bloomingburg, New York went to be with our Lord and savior on July 16th, 2024, after a lengthy illness.

John was born to Joseph and Stella Zupetz in Warwick, New York on July 29th, 1945. He lived his early life in Pine Island, New York and helped work on the families produce fields in the black dirt region, with his two sisters as well as other relatives.

John met Charlotte, the love of his life, in 1963. They were married August 1st, 1964, settled in Middletown, New York and started their family. Together, they demonstrated the importance of love, faith, family, responsibility, and the act of being kind to others.

John was a loving husband, a dedicated father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, who always put others first. He ensured that his family always had a big summer vacation planned and, in the interim, experienced several smaller camping trips or excursions to see distant relatives. He loved the outdoors and passed this passion along to his children and grandchildren. John’s humility, patience, kindness, and gentle disposition gave him a quiet confidence and inner strength that was second to none. One of his most common statements was “Don’t go getting all excited”. This mantra helped John become a role model, for not only his family but also those that he worked with. During his 34 years with the Town of Wallkill Highway Department, as Senior Foreman, he was a mentor and leader who loved serving the public and working with younger employees who he affectionately referred to as his “Sonny Boys”. They were his second family. John was a volunteer firefighter with Silver Lake Fire Company for many years. He started as a firefighter and eventually held several leadership positions, culminating in his term as Fire Chief in 1977 and 1978. John was a Little League Coach and supported his sons in every one of their endeavors. John was a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks Lodge 1097 in Middletown, NY and, in his later years, enjoyed attending the Elk’s Annual Old Timer’s Night to be reacquainted with old friends.

The family’s Catholic faith and trust in God emanated from John. John was a parishioner at St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church in Middletown, New York where Sunday Morning Mass was usually followed by a day of fishing with his sons. Upon moving to Bloomingburg, New York in 1986, John and his family became parishioners at Our Lady of the Assumption Church in Bloomingburg, New York. He became well-known there for hosting the Annual Summerfest Chicken BBQ, featuring his secret recipe that has since been passed down to his sons.

Retiring in 2000, John continued to work part time while also finding time to tinker in his workshop, take cruises with his wife Charlotte and explore the outdoors in Quebec and Saskatchewan with his friends and sons. John was an avid sportsman and enjoyed spending time in the Catskills and Beaverkill enjoying its rugged, unspoiled quiet romanticism. However, the best part of his retirement was the arrival of his grandchildren and the love that they brought to his life.

John was predeceased by his parents Joseph and Stella Zupetz.

Survivors include his wife of nearly 60 years Charlotte Zupetz, his sons John Zupetz Jr and his wife Jennifer, Michael Zupetz, and his wife Amy all of Bloomingburg, New York. His Grandchildren Sarah Zupetz-LaBagh and her husband Max. Zachary Zupetz, Jarod Zupetz, Colby Zupetz and Trevor Zupetz and, Great Grandson Mack LaBagh. Sisters Jane Harris of Pine Island, New York and Stella Pevear of Gouverneur, New York. As well as several nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations in John’s name may be made to Orange and Sullivan Hospice located at 800 Stony Brook Court, Newburgh New York, 12550.

The family will host A Celebration of Life later this year to honor John and recognize the great friends and family that he was blessed to be surrounded by in this life. According to the promises of Christ and in accordance with our faith, we know that we will reunite with John again.

Arrangements are under the direction of the VanInwegen-Kenny, Inc. Funeral Home of Wurtsboro. For additional information or to send an online condolence, please visit www.kennyfuneralhome.com.