Westford - John Giljam Stroosnyder went to be with the Lord on December 14, 2011 surrounded by his loved ones.

John was born in Passaic, NJ on October 6, 1943. The beautiful, blue eyed son of Martin and Lillian Stroosnyder.

John attended Garfield High School and then entered the United States Navy, serving on the U.S.S. Enterprise.

John was employed for over 20 years at Interknitting in Cobleskill.

He was a proud member of the Westford Fire Department where he was fireman, first responder and assistant fire chief. John served as a member of the Worcester Central School Board of Education. He was a member of the American Legion in Clifton.
As a member of the Worcester-Schenevus Rotary, Dad brought many exchange students into our lives. He was a member of the Worcester United Methodist Church.

John was a man of great character whose judgement, humor and friendly spirit brought out the finest in those around him. John may have been born in the city, but he was always a country boy at heart. His greatest loves were sweets, his many hobbies and collections, but foremost his family.

John is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Barbara (Ferruzza) Stroosnyder; his children, Jodi and Steven Squires, Tammy and Timothy Ballard, Wendy and Sean Budd, Jason and Caitlin Stroosnyder and Inga Birna Antonsdottir and Stefnir Kristiansson; his siblings, Martin and Elsie Stroosnyder, Gail Stroosnyder and Wilma and Charlie Vartanian; his sweet mother-in-law, Josephine Buglino Ferruzza; his grandchildren, Morgan, Will, Shawn, Zachary, Kyle, Jenna, Jack, Benjamin, Nolan, Emilia, Jon and Karen; his great granddaughters, Aurora and Sophia, as well as many nieces, nephews and many loved ones.

John was predeceased by a son, John Robert Stroosnyder.

A funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday, December 19, 2011 at the Worcester United Methodist Church with the Rev. Susan Wenner and Rev. Paul Timmerman officiating.

Burial will follow with military honors at the Westford Cemetery.

Calling hours will be held Sunday, December 18, 2011 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the E.J. Skinner Co. Funeral Chapel, 155 Main Street in Worcester.

Donations in loving memory of John may be made to the Westford Fire Department, PO Box 24, Westford, NY 13488 or the Worcester Fire Department, PO Box 430, Worcester, NY 12197.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.skinnerfuneralchapel.com.

The E.J. Skinner Co. Funeral Chapel in Worcester is assisting the family.