John A. Giehl, Sr., 75, of Utica, passed away Tuesday, November 10, 2009 at St. Elizabeth Medical Center, with his loving family by his side. John was born in Utica on January 14, 1934, the son of Charles and Henrietta (French) Giehl. He was raised and educated locally. John was employed at the Mohawk Valley Psychiatric Center, retiring as retail manager of the community store. Prior to working at the psychiatric center, he worked for General Electric, Chicago Market, Tony Spragna's, and Met Life. On July 25, 1960, John married Pernese McBride in Utica. He was a past president of the CSEA Union; he was an avid NY Yankee and NY Giant fan, and he loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. John is survived by his beloved wife, Pernese Giehl, Utica; his son, John Giehl, Jr. and his fiancée, Jackie Fullard; his daughter and son-in-law, Sherri and Richard LaSalle, Utica; a special niece, Tarita Mills, Utica; a stepson, Kevin Scott, Utica; eight cherished grandchildren, Elan Scott, Johnna Giehl, Adreana Giehl, Vanessa Stanford, Anthony Carretero, Stephanie Carretero, Kevin Scott, Jr., and Haven Seymour; three sisters and two brothers-in-law, Mary and George Zegibe, New Hartford, Joan Montrose, Utica, Donna and Vinny Speciale, Utica. Also surviving are special great nieces, Anisah and Taryn Lacy. John is predeceased by three sisters and three brothers, Alice Giehl, Violet (Pat) Abel, Bette Sklarz, Charles, Eugene, and Jerry Giehl. Mr. Giehl's funeral will be held on Saturday, November 14, 2009 at 8:45 am from the Heintz Funeral Home, 1517 Whitesboro St., Utica and 9:30 am in Grace Episcopal Church, Utica. Interment will follow in New Forest Cemetery, Utica. Relatives and friends are invited to call at the funeral home, Friday evening from 4 - 7 pm. Those wishing may donate to Utica Devils Baseball in John's memory. Mr. Giehl's family would like to thank the nurses and staff of St. Elizabeth ICU, especially Meghan Hughes, for the care and compassion shown to John and his family. Also, a special thanks to the Utica Fire Dept. for their quick response and care in John's time of need.