John S. Marsh

Thanks be to God that, after giving his life to Christ in 1999 on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem with Christ the King Catholic Church (Ann Arbor, MI), upon passing in Detroit John returned to Christ the King parish for a final goodbye on June 9. Long-time pastor, friend, and fellow Harley rider, Fr. Ed Fride officiated.

John was born in Indiana, the son of the late Douglas and Charlotte Marsh. Surviving is his wife of over 35 years, Frandel (FK) Marsh, also brothers George (Priscilla) and Robert (Walda) Marsh of Virginia, dear brother and sister-in-law Frank and Susan Mizwa, Dunkirk, NY, like-a-son James Nettles and family, godmother Janet, his godchildren Bethany and JP and their families, and many well-loved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

John’s outgoing personality, can-do attitude, contagious smile, and quick learning abilities opened many opportunities for him. One of his greatest years, he always said, was when he served as captain of the Sea Lion on Chautauqua Lake. John was a long-time mechanic, a Navy veteran, owned a Snap-On tool business, succeeded in sales, then mid-career moved into information technology. He was IT Director for a national firm in Michigan when he decided to retire.

Most recently his volunteer activities included working on vintage boat engines at The Lawson Center in Bemus Point and on the mow team for the Northern Chautauqua Canine Rescue. He dearly loved his wife, his family and friends, his Harley, his Cadillac, the Buffalo Bills, and his little dog, Rico – in whatever order of the day.

A memorial Mass will be held Monday, June 19, 1 p.m. at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Dunkirk, NY, with Rev. Robert Owczarczak officiating.

In lieu of flowers, any memorial contributions can be made to The Lawson Center Maritime Museum, Bemus Point, NY, or the Northern Chautauqua Canine Rescue in Westfield, NY.