John H. Heath

John H. Heath, 91, a longtime resident of Norwich, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 8, 2018 at the New York State Veterans’ Home in Oxford, NY, following an illness.

Born on January 29, 1927, in Lebanon, NY, John was the son of Horace and Gladys (Taylor) Heath. He attended Sherburne schools and graduated with the Sherburne High School Class of 1944, where he enlisted in the United States Navy.

Upon his return from the Navy, John became employed at the Norwich Shoe Company. His career started with machine operating, among other jobs, to becoming the plant manager. John was a member of St. Bartholomew’s Church. He also was a member of the Knights of Columbus and the American Legion Post 189 in Norwich. John’s greatest passion was woodworking, which he did full time until he took it as a hobby in more recent years.

John and Mary shared over forty years of happiness on Brown Avenue, but more recently moved in to the Chenango Valley Home on Canasawacta Street, where they enjoyed being together, and were able to socialize with long time friends who also live there.

On May 27, 1972, at St. Bartholomew’s in Norwich, John married Mary Tesoriere, who survives.

John is also survived by his two daughters, Joanne and Stanley Westover, of Bonita, CA, and Mary Jane Rogge, of St. Petersburg, FL; two grandchildren, Christian Westover, of Bonita, CA, and Alex Rogge, of St. Petersburg, FL; and several great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his two brothers George and Robert and three sister Mary Phillips, Marjorie Berg, and Mildred Edmonds.

A Mass of Christian Burial for John will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, July 13, 2018, at the Church of St. Bartholomew, where Rev. Ralph A. Bove, pastor, will officiate. Burial will immediately follow at St. Paul’s Cemetery. Friends are invited to call on Thursday at the Wilson Funeral Home from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The Rosary will be recited on Thursday at 4:30 p.m.

The family wishes to express its sincere gratefulness to the nursing home staff at the Veterans’ Home for the wonderful care they provided to John during his various times there. Gratitude is also given to the Chenango Valley Home for the wonderful care they gave to John and continue to give to Mary.

Contributions in John’s memory may be made to St. Bartholomew’s Church Capital Campaign, 81 East Main Street, Norwich, NY 13815, or to Chenango Valley Home, 24 Canasawacta Street, Norwich, NY 13815.