John C. Middel, 81, a resident of The Lutheran Homes in Clinton, formerly of Deerfield, passed away Sunday, March 18, 2012, at the home. John was born on January 27, 1931, in Utica, NY, the son of Alfred and Agnes (Dolphin) Middel. He was raised and educated locally and received his Bachelors Degree from Utica College. John served his country with the US Air Force. On June 9, 1956, John married Jeanette Garbarz in Holy Trinity Church, Utica. Mrs. Middel passed away in 1988. John was employed with Revere Copper and Brass, retiring in 1990. He was a member of Glass Hill Golf Course in Trenton. He also enjoyed travelling, woodworking and making golf clubs. John was an avid supporter of his children's, and grandchildren's activities. He was of the Catholic faith. John is survived by two daughters and sons-in-law, Bridgette and Tony Benincasa, Deerfield, Alison and Jim Clare, New Milford, NJ; a son and daughter-in-law, Steven and Lori Middel, Oakdale, CT; daughter-in-law, Kathy Middel, Arnold, MD; six grandchildren, Brianna Middel, Bennett Middel, Matthew Benincasa, Audra Benincasa, Kate Middel, Sarah Middel; a sister and brother-in-law, Theresa and Andy Lastowicka, Floyd. He is predeceased by a son, Jon, on February 19, 2001. Mr. Middel's funeral service will be held Wednesday evening, March 21, 2012 at 6:00 pm at the Heintz Funeral Home, 408 Herkimer Rd., North Utica. Relatives and friends are invited to call at the funeral home from 4 - 6 pm, prior to the service. Interment, in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Utica, will take place at the convenience of the family. Those wishing may donate to the American Heart Association or the American Cancer Society in John's memory. The family would like to offer their thanks and heartfelt appreciation to the nurses and staff of The Lutheran Homes for the care and compassion given to John during his stay.