John Milton Stickles died on July 27 at Columbia Memorial Health in Hudson, NY after an extended illness. John had recently celebrated his 75th birthday at his home with family and life-long friends. He grew up on the Stickles Family Dairy Farm in Churchtown, NY nurtured by loving parents Milton and Frances and devoted older sisters Marilyn and Catherine. A childhood filled with farm animals, family pets, hay fields, corn fields and wildflowers was something he treasured his whole life.

John attended Ockawamick Central, a place he held dear, from kindergarten to grade twelve. He was a trombonist with the school band, a member of the varsity basketball and track teams, and  held the school record for the shot put for many years.

Post Ockawamick found John at Orange County Community College, the U.S. Army as part of the 56th Artillery Brigade, and ultimately at the College of St. Rose for both a Bachelor's and a Master's Degree in Education. A career that began as a special needs teacher culminated in principalships at Martin Van Buren and Martin H. Glynn Elementary Schools in the Ichabod Crane School District. John touched the lives of so many young people in his over four decades as a public school educator. And, he is also fondly remembered by hundreds of his former students as the "musician" principal who frequently sang their beloved song "The Cat Came Back" at school assemblies.

John's outside interests were many and varied. Certainly, near the top of his list are the Adirondacks. Many family summer camping trips in these mountains were combined with music around the campfire.  He loved the New York Mets. Up years or down years, it didn't matter. He was a true fan. He followed Premier League Football and he coached Youth Soccer in the Capital District Area for many years. He also loved (and sometimes hated) the game of golf. Trips to Scotland and Ireland, including playing at historic St. Andrews were a highlight. His local links, Copake Country Club, was something of a second home to John.

Musically talented, he played the guitar, banjo and bass, and he was a partner with John Sciolino in the folk group Nor'easter that performed at local coffee houses and produced two CDs which he proudly shared with family and friends. Truly, music was a part of John's soul.  In his sixties, John developed an interest in painting. The majority of his creations were nature related and were done as gifts to family and friends. John was an "Alfista". He loved his Alfas, owned three or four models and often made the trip to Lime Rock for the Vintage Car races. Clearly less exotic than the Alfa Romeos, another interest was one he shared with his father, Milton. The Hudson Valley Old Time Power Association. Old engines. Old tractors. Old timers. Not to be forgotten, Buddy, John's beloved cat. Eighteen years of companionship. Lastly, John's back porch. He loved to feed his birds, chipmunks, squirrels and ground hogs, taking delight when a favorite chipmunk would take a peanut from his outstretched hand. Indeed, in his last few months, John lived most days on his back porch.

John will be dearly missed. Rest in Peace.

John is survived by sons Ian and Adam, daughter Rebecca, grandson Jaxon, sisters Marilyn and Catherine and brothers-in-law Bob and John. Daughter Emily pre-deceased.

A celebration of life memorial service will be held on September 19th at 5:00 p.m. at the Copake Country Club (44 Golf Course Road, Craryville, N.Y. 12521). Reception with buffet to follow. We invite family and friends to join us in remembering and celebrating John's life.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Valatie Food Pantry (Box 377, Niverville, N.Y. 12130) or the Valatie Fire Department (3619 Mechanic St, Valatie, N.Y.  12184). For on-line condolences, visit wenkfuneralhome.com