Dr. John R. Vona Jr.
Dr. John R. Vona Jr.
Dr. John R Vona Jr., “Doc” 88, of Silver Creek, New York, formerly of North Tonawanda, New York, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 14, 2024, surrounded by family members.
He is predeceased by his wife, Joyce R. Vona, parents, John R Vona Sr and Ruth Vona, and his beloved son, John R Vona III. Dr. Vona lived life for his family, “La Familia.” Nothing gave him more joy than spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild Tony.
He completed school at the University of Buffalo’s Dental School in 1961 and immediately entered the US Army Reserve Dental division at Fort Riley, Kansas. After an honorable discharge, “Doc” set down roots in Silver Creek. He had a thriving dental practice for over 45 years and continued to work well into his mid-80s for the Resource Center in Dunkirk, where he retired after working 61 years as an area dentist.
He prided himself on building relationships and patient care with a splash of humor. Besides his dental talents, he was also an athlete and musician. He played on UB’s basketball and baseball teams, for which he was recently inducted into the Western New York Baseball Hall of Fame. A 50-year member of Tri-County Country Club, “Doc” loved his golf, always looking forward to his annual outing with his Ganson Street boys and trips to Hershey, Pennsylvania. His musical prowess on his saxophone was remarkable, constantly filling the house with his smooth jazz sounds. For several years, he played with the New Horizon Band of WNY, performing in their seasonal concerts at Fredonia SUNY’s Mason Hall.
Dr. Vona is survived by his four children, sons Dr. David Vona (wife Judy), and Daniel Vona (Karin Scott) and two daughters, Linda Hart (husband Chris), Sandy Stewart (husband Randy); granddaughters, Kimberly Tomasik (husband Zach), Haley Hart, Samantha Stewart, grandsons Brandon Hart and Matthew Vona, great-grandchild Anthony “Tony” and sisters, Carol Robek and Janet Remzi. His family and friends will forever cherish his memory. Although his presence will be deeply missed, he will live on in the hearts and minds of all who knew him.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, 165 Central Ave., Silver Creek, NY at 1 PM and a reception will immediately follow at the family’s residence, 12202 Ludeman Dr., Silver Creek, NY. A private family graveside service will be observed at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Kenmore, New York, where he will be laid to rest next to his son, John, and wife, Joyce.
The family kindly suggests memorial contributions in John’s memory be made to the Boy’s and Girls’ Club of the North Town, www.bgcnt.org.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Hole-Parker Funeral Chapel, 160 Central Ave. Silver Creek, NY.
Please share online condolences and remembrances at www.holeparkerfc.com.