Obituary of John J. Petzke

Age 92, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, September 20, 2015. Jack was born in Elmira NY on June 1, 1923, a son of Frederick, Sr. and Helena (Swetolske) Petzke. He was predeceased by his brother Frederick Petzke, Jr. Jack is survived by his wife of 65 years, Mary Weingart Petzke; sons and daughters-in-law, John J., Jr. and Diane Petzke of Cassville NY, Thomas F. and Dawn Petzke of Elmira, Robert F. and Karen Petzke of Lowman, Richard J. and Betsy Petzke of Elmira; daughter and son-in-law, Mary Kay and Peter Rocchi of Pine City; grandchildren, John J. III (Christa) Petzke, Danielle (Chad) DeStefano, Paul Petzke, Pamela Petzke, Robert Petzke, Alex Petzke, Sara Petzke and Christopher Rocchi; great grandchildren, Isabella Petzke, Daniel and Luke DeStefano; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Patricia and James Howland of Elmira; several nephews. Jack was a 1941 graduate of Elmira Free Academy. He was a U S Army veteran of WWII serving with the 69th Signal Battalion. Jack was involved with military campaigns in Ardennes, Central Europe, Normandy, Northern France and Rhineland. After leaving the military Jack and his family enjoyed attending numerous reunions with his military unit. He worked for the Elmira Correctional Facility for 37 years retiring as Head Clerk in 1983. Jack was a longtime active communicant of St. Casimir's Church. He was a member of the Elmira Elks Club for over 40 years. Family and friends are invited to McInerny Funeral Home, 502 West Water Street, Elmira, on Wednesday, September 23, 2015 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A prayer service will be held there on Thursday, September 24, 2015 at 9:15 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. in St. Casimir's Church. Committal prayers and interment, with military honors, will follow at St. Peter and Paul's Cemetery. Donations in memory of Jack may be directed to CareFirst, 3805 Meads Creek Road, Painted Post NY 14870-9509, or a charity of one's choice. Officers and member of the Elmira Elks Lodge #62 will meet at the McInerny Funeral Home on Wednesday at 6:45 p.m. to conduct a Memorial Service for our brother, Jack. Signed, Jeff Bailey, Exalted Ruler.