John W. Karpowich

ILION – John W. Karpowich, age 97 , formerly of Richfield Springs, passed away on Tuesday morning , May 10, 2022 , at Bassett Medical Center, Cooperstown.

He was born on March 6, 1925 , in Herkimer, son of the late Charles and Martha (Petchuz ) Karpowich.  Raised and educated in Ri chfield Springs he graduated fr om Richfield Springs High School.  After graduation he worked as a farm hand until he joined the Navy in September of 1944.  He serv ed with the 3 rd F leet Pacific on the USS Saint Paul (CA-73).  He was honorably discharded in June of 1946.  Upon his return home he worked with Bil l Shyski, logging and cutting trees, He later worked with John Burowicz as a construction laborer and later as supervisor on many jobs until his retirement in 1992.   He was a member of the L aborer Union #35 , Utica .

John enjoyed the outdoors.   His leisure time was spent, fishing and hunting deer with a bow.

In his younger years, John was active within his community.  He belonged to the South Columbia Fire Company, was Chief Constable in the town of Columbia.  Worked on many ice jams  on the Fulmer Creek in Mohawk, as well as Little Falls, Utica, and Oriskany Falls. John was a member of Richfield Springs, Hugick Purcell Vets Club Post 616 and Frankfort VFW Post 502.

At one time he was married to Kay Conklin, they had four children, twin boys,

David and Donald, daughter,  Allison and  son, Ronald .

Besides his children he is survived by his loyal friend and companion of many years, Elaine "Chipper" Frasier of Richfield Springs, a brother Arthur Karpowich of Richfield Springs, a sister Rose Merrick of Mohawk, six grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and cousins.   He was preceded in death by a brother Kazimer K arpowich, and three sisters, Am y Alexczuk, Helen Borowicz and Ann Entwistle.

A graveside service with m ilitary honors will be held on Fri day, May 27 th at 11:00 am in Highland Rural Cemetery, Jordanville.

Funeral arrangements are with J. S eaton McGrath Funeral Home, Richfield Springs.