John D. Powers was called home on March 11, 2007 surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on February 4, 1929 in Queens, NY and resided in Schenevus, NY for almost 50 years.

He was predeceased by his first wife, Jean G. Powers and his sister Eileen Pedersen. He remarried in 1994 and resided with his wife in Ballston Spa, NY.

He is survived by his wife, Ruth Powers, and his children: Timothy and Nancy Powers (CA), John Patrick Powers (TX), Michael John Powers (CA), Mary and Eric Wing (NY), Kathleen and Robert Ghizzoni (NY), Eileen Powers and Dean Roberts (NY), Brian and Shari Powers (NY), and Brendan Edward Powers (CA). He is fondly remembered by his 10 grandchildren: Jennifer and Christopher Powers; Meghan, James, and Kelly Wing; Kevin, Ryan, and Michael Ghizzoni; Sean and Conor Powers as well as many nieces and nephews.

John was awarded a Bachelor of Science from Cortland State and a Master of Science in Education from Columbia University. He proudly served his country in the Army of the United States during the period of the Korean War. He was a dedicated teacher with a 40 year career at Schenevus Central School. He taught Earth Science, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics and served as the school's Vice Principal.

John had a love of learning and taught his classes with an equal mix of scientific method, humor, and life lessons. He applauded hard work and appreciated a good mind and always saw potential in his students, caring in his friends, and trustworthiness in everyone.

John lived in Schenevus, NY where he and his wife raised their eight children. He enjoyed the relaxed pace of upstate New York and embedded himself in the community serving as mayor, volunteer firefighter, and member of St. Mary's Church. He loved hunting, fishing, and his summer home in Vermont.

He was much loved by his family and will be greatly missed. We all remember him saying: "As you practice, so shall you do."

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, March 14, 2007 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. at the Heller Funeral Home in Schenevus.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be Thursday, March 15, 2007 at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Main St., Worcester, with the Rev. Edward Golding as celebrant.

Interment with military honors will at 10 a.m., Friday, April 27, 2007 at the Schenevus Cemetery.

On line condolences to the family may be made at www.hellerfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the C.H. Graham Hose Co., PO Box 116, Schenevus, NY 12155.

The Heller Funeral Home, 25 Arch St. in Schenevus, is serving the family.