John C. Kolpien

John was born Jan. 5, 1936, in Jamestown, N.Y., the son of Gerald H. and Ione M. (Powers) Kolpien.

He was a 1954 graduate of Westfield Academy and Central Schools and attended Behrend College of Erie, Pa., for two years until he entered the U.S. Army serving during the Vietnam War for six years from 1958-64, stationed in Germany.

John was a 53 year member of the Citizens Hose Co. of the Westfield Volunteer Fire Department, where he served as company secretary and fire police captain for many years. John was a member of the Westfield Fireman’s Exempt Association and many other fire service organizations. John had been the owner and operator of the former “Gun Rack” gun store for many years. He had been employed by the Loyal Order of Moose 118 for 21 years as a bartender, retiring in 1998.

Survivors include his wife of 39 years, Shirley (Wadsworth) Kolpien, whom he married on May 23, 1981, in Westfield, N.Y.; two stepdaughters: Vicky (Burl) Swanson and Tracy (Scott) Johnson; five grandchildren and six great- grandchildren also survive. He is further survived by his two sisters-in-law, Nancy (Richard) Shaver and Laura Jean Parment; as well as several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his stepdaughter, Patti Peacock.

John’s wish was to donate his body to the University of Buffalo School Of Medicine.

All services will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in John’s name to the Northern Chautauqua Canine Rescue, 7540 North Gale St., Westfield, NY 14787.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the MASON Funeral Home, 37 Clinton St., Westfield, NY.

Log on to www.masonfuneral.com to send the Kolpien family a message of sympathy, to light a memorial candle or for further information.