John J. Guba, Jr., 95, of Utica passed away at home on December 5, 2020 after a long period of declining health. John was born in Utica on April 4, 1925, to John and Louise (Maziarz) Guba. He was raised and educated in Utica and earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Utica College. During World War II, John enlisted in the Marine Corps at 17 years of age and served in the 1st Marine Division in the Pacific Theatre, fighting multiple battles in the Guadalcanal and Solomon Islands campaigns. He was proudly decorated with two Purple Hearts, among other medals of valor. In 1946, he was united in marriage to Gladys Okraski, a blessed union that has lasted over 74 years. Until his retirement in 1987, John was employed at Griffiss Air Force Base as an engineer, where he won numerous awards for technological advancements in his field. John was a self-taught handyman who liked to fix things around the house and even remodeled rooms in the home. He was an avid snowmobiler and excellent golfer, participating in and winning many golf tournaments. John taught many people how to golf and even made custom golf clubs. John derived the most happiness in spending time with family and in family celebrations where he always brought his quick wit, hilarious jokes and huge grin. John is survived by his wife, Gladys; his two children, Wayne Guba of Utica and Gail Guba McDonald of the Boston MA area; five grandchildren, John (Blair) Guba, Kimberly Irla, Allen McDonald, Hannah McDonald and John McDonald; two great grandchildren, Josie and Quinn Guba and many nieces and nephews. John was predeceased by a close-knit family of seven brothers and sisters. Calling hours for Mr. Guba will be held on Wednesday (today), from 12:00 – 2:00 at the Heintz Funeral Home, 408 Herkimer Rd., N. Utica, with a service to be held at 2:00. A spring burial with Military Honors will take place in St. Peter’s Cemetery, N. Utica. The family would like to extend special thanks to those who assisted John during his illness including the doctors and nurses at the Rome VA, the health aides from Acacia Village and especially his niece Pat (Vidoni) Biernat, her husband John Biernat and Mr. Guba’s niece, Barbara Quackenbush.