Obituary of John Paul Uszenski

Age 89, of Elmira, NY, passed peacefully surrounded by his loving family on July 11, 2024. John is survived by his children: Mary Kettell, Gerald Uszenski, Ann Beach; grandchildren: Samuel Kettell, Quinton Kettell, Gregory Beach, Harrison Taylor. John is predeceased by his wife of 43 years and mother of his children, Carol Rouse Uszenski, who passed March 13, 2000; wife, Barbara Horton, who passed November 15, 2023; parents: Boleslaw Uszenski and Cornelia Kasperkowicz Uszenski; siblings: Stephen Uszenski, Reverend Stanislaus Uszenski, Mary Lupinski, Caroline Mosher, Andrew Uszenski, Bernard Uszenski, Felix Uszenski, Lucy Wilk, Francis Uszenski and Floyd Uszenski. His relationships with his nieces, nephews, friends and co-workers created bonds that lasted lifetimes.

John was born in Pine Island, NY, the youngest of eleven children. He spoke only Polish until he went to school at age five, where he learned English. He served in the US Air Force from 1953-1957. While still serving, he was recruited by AT&T in 1956, which led to a 36 year long career. He was given the nickname “Jump Up” by his colleagues. He met Carol Rouse, of Dushore, PA, while she attended business school in Elmira, and they married September 15, 1956. John was a devout Catholic and a communicant of St. Mary’s. John and Carol built their home and life in Elmira, where they raised their children. There was always music playing and most of it polkas! John sought out social connections and made many friends. He was elected Elmira Councilman and proudly served a four-year term. John was a Kiwanis Club member and for over 20 years,he cooked his famous pigs-in-the-blanket to be auctioned off at Christmas time, which he was so proud of. While in retirement, John and Carol traveled the globe and joyfully welcomed their first two grandsons, Sam and Quinton. John’s favorite pleasure was taking them to the “wood park” in West Elmira almost daily. After Carol’s passing, John was fortunate to welcome two more grandsons, Greg and Harrison, whom he loved spending time sharing life stories and many laughs with. John “Cookie Monster” volunteered at Meals on Wheels baking cookies to be delivered. He also volunteered at Arnot Ogden Medical Center as a long-distance patient driver. On August 9, 2003, John married Barbara Horton. They enjoyed 20 years together traveling, golfing and playing cards with close friends, until her passing in November 2023.

Friends and family are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary’s Church, 224 Franklin St, Elmira, NY on Thursday, July 18, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. Interment with military honors, and committal prayers, will follow at St. Peter & Paul’s Cemetery In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Meals on Wheels of Chemung County Inc, 409 William St, Elmira, NY14901/info@mealsonwheelschemung.org