Mr. John R. Husnay, 92, of Deerfield, passed away peacefully on April 16 2026 at Masonic Care Community with his loving family by his side.

     John was born in Binghamton NY on July 13, 1933, the son of John and Margaret (Hoage) Husnay.  He was raised and educated in Binghamton NY. He was a graduate of St. Cyril's High School and Broome Tech. At Broome Tech, he was captain of the baseball team during his senior year. John and his wife Bernadine, who predeceased him, enjoyed a loving and dedicated union of over 68 years and were wed at St Paul’s Church in Binghamton.  John was employed at General Electric in Utica for almost 40 years, and was a drafting supervisor at the time of his retirement. 

     John generously volunteered his time as a coach for over 3 decades with St. Peter's CYO high school basketball and was named Coach of the Year on multiple occasions. He also coached in multiple youth baseball leagues. In those roles, he was a positive influence on, and role model for, countless youth in the greater North Utica area.  He also found time to be a human Zamboni for the ice rink he made for his sons, spraying a garden hose in bitter nighttime temps to ensure that there would always be a fresh ice surface for them to enjoy. That tradition is carried on today by one of his grandsons.

     After his retirement from GE, John assumed his favorite role in life: that of a grampa and eventually great grampa.  He thoroughly enjoyed attending his grandkids’ sporting events, concerts, and recitals.  He especially relished video recording and photographing their activities.   John had a lifelong love of aviation, and enjoyed sharing that passion with his grandkids.  Retirement provided him more time to root for his favorite teams:  his beloved Yankees, the NY football Giants, and Syracuse football and basketball.  Additionally, John was employed part time by the town of Deerfield as a codes inspector for over 10 years.

     A man of deep faith, he carried himself with a grace and dignity that was palpable.  He was our family ‘saint’ and will be deeply missed.

     John was predeceased by his beloved wife of 68 years Bernadine. He is survived by three daughters and sons-in-law, Nancy and Bruce Sedlak of Liverpool, Doreen and Dominick Madia of Liverpool and Peggy and Richard Maneen of Frankfort; three sons and daughters-in-law, John Husnay and Terry Murad of Utica, Robert and Michelle Husnay of Marcy and Michael and Michele Husnay of Sullivan, NY; 13 cherished grandchildren, Elizabeth Sedlak, Michael (Lisa) Madia, Christopher Madia (Keri Topolski), Marybeth (David) DiNardo, Daniel (Rachel) Dichiera, Katie Maneen (Jessica Czachowski)  , John (Brittany) Husnay, David (Suzanne) Husnay, Cianna Husnay, Jessica (Luis) Pérez Montalvo, Ashleigh Husnay, Patrick Husnay (Kayla Smith) and Stephanie Husnay (John Avery); 15 adored great grandchildren, Vincenza, Bianca, Juliano, Francesco, Arya, Adylena, Ava, Asher, Gabriella, Sophia, Anthony, Finn, Aiden, John Robert and Julia; his Godson Johnny Husnay, as well as brothers James (Dale) Husnay, Thomas (Regina) Husnay, and Michael Husnay, sisters Rosemary Guidici, Patricia (James) Hisman, sister-in-law Mary Ann Husnay, nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his granddaughter Caitlin Marie Husnay, great granddaughter Audrianna Dichiera, sister Margaret Lynch, brother Joseph Husnay, and brothers in-law Nick Guidici and Edward Lynch. 

     John's family will be forever grateful for the compassionate care given for many years by Doctors Raja, Gaffney, and John.   The 5 West staff at Wynn Hospital and the staff at the Albany wing of Masonic Care Community, especially Mary, were also wonderful to John during his final weeks.

     Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to John's calling hours which will be held from 4-7 PM on Tuesday April 21, 2026, at Heintz Funeral Home, 408 Herkimer Rd, Utica NY. His Funeral Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Wednesday April 22, 2026 at 10:00 AM at St Peter's Church, 422 Coventry Ave, Utica NY.  John will be laid to rest in Resurrection Chapel Mausoleum located at Holy Trinity Cemetery in Yorkville. 

     The family has established a charitable fund through the Community Foundation to honor John & Bernadine.  In lieu of flowers, please give kind consideration to making a donation to this fund (www.foundationhoc.org/husnay).  Donations by check can be mailed to The Community Foundation, 2608 Genesee St Utica NY 13502.  Please use the memo line on the check to write in John & Bernadine Husnay Family Fund.