Obituary of John J Hedrington

John J. Hedrington

1932-2024

John J. Hedrington, 91, of Rome, passed away on Friday January 26, 2024, at Betsy Ross Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, with his loving family by his side. He was born in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, on December 29, 1932, son of the late John and Elsie Brown Hedrington.  On February 12, 1955 he married, Vinzetta Manuele, in St. John the Baptist Church, a blessed union of sixty nine years.   

John retired from the U.S. Air Force in 1971 after serving for twenty years.  He was a former employee of Revere Copper and Brass and Mohawk Correctional Facility.  John was a member of St. John the Baptist Church and served as a Eucharistic Minister.

Before and after retirement he and Vinnie enjoyed going out to eat, attending movies, and attending as many of their children’s, grandchildren’s, and great grandchildren’s sporting and cultural events.  They also went on several bus trips, including venturing to Nashville, New York City, and Branson, Missouri.  Family get togethers were a mainstay of John and Vinnie’s lives.  Visiting family in Wisconsin was also a very special time for both of them.  An avid Green Bay Packers fan, John enjoyed living and reliving the highlights of each and every game, win or lose, with family members. Everyone would recognize their yard by the swing out front that they sat in regularly and by the decorations they would have out for every holiday.

Surviving besides his wife, Vinnie, are their children, Sue Rabe (Mark), John Hedrington (Jodi), Tina Giardino, Kathy Jones, and Ann Pohl (Alan), fourteen grandchildren, twenty-four great grandchildren and two great, great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by brothers Earl, Charles, Arthur, and Dayton, and sisters, Ida and Johanna.

John was a gentle man in every sense of the word. He was kind, generous, positive and full of love. He was a devoted and loving husband. He married his best friend and loved his wife with his entire being. He held her hand in his, everywhere they went and they shared a love that few will ever experience. He was also a very patient and thoughtful father who was adored and deeply loved by his children.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, January 31, 2024 at 11:00 a.m., at St. John the Baptist Church, 210 E. Dominick St., Rome, NY, with the Rev. Robert Kelly officiating.  The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., at church, prior to the Funeral Mass.  At the conclusion of Mass, Military Honors will be rendered for John. There are no calling hours.  Spring Burial will be in St. John the Baptist Cemetery. 

Memorial contributions may be made in John’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association, PO Box 96011, Washington, D.C. 20090-6011, or online at alz.org/get-involved-now/donate, or to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741, or online at cancer.org/donate.

Arrangements are by the Nicholas J. Bush Funeral Home, Inc., 7751 Merrick Rd., Rome, NY.

To offer online condolences, please visit www.njbushfuneralhome.com.