Obituary of John R. Jermano

NISKAYUNA—John R. Jermano, 77, passed away peacefully on Friday at Albany Medical Center. John was born in Ogdensburg, New York a son of the late Ross and Millie Evans Jermano. He earned his Bachelors of Civil Engineering from The Catholic University of America in 1959, in Washington, D.C. As a Licensed Professional Engineer and Licensed Land Surveyor, he was NYS DOT Resident Engineer in Wayne County, NY; and then County Engineer of Onondaga East Residency; and Regional Highway Maintenance Engineer of Region 8. Prior to retiring from the State as the Director of Canals and the NYS Canal Corporation in 1995, he received the AASHTO President's Modal Award in 1992 and the New York State Canal Conference Spirit of the Canal Award in 1996. Following retirement with the state, he was the director of quality management and engineering with Laberge Engineering and Consulting Group, LTD from 1996-2005. He was a member of the Albany Society of Engineers, American Council of Engineering Companies of New York, New York State Association of Transportation Engineers, and served on the Board of Directors of the State Council on Waterways and Canal Society of New York State. He was Bridge Member of the Lake George Power Squadron and the Mohawk-Hudson Council of Yacht Clubs He was the Rear Commodore and Historian of the Schenectady Yacht Club, where he was the proud owner of the Caprice Pilgrim Trawler. The Caprice was a wonderful tug, with a wonderful skipper. He was the former Director of New York State Canals, who was loved and admired by Canallers far and wide. John oversaw the early days of the re-birth of New York's canals, and continued to be a friend and advocate of the state's waterways. John is a former winner of the Waterford Tugboat Roundup Canal Lifetime Achievement Award, along with many other significant awards and recognitions. He was an avid fan of the Syracuse Orange Basketball team; an avid music lover and piano player; but most importantly, he made the best meatballs from the old Jermano family recipe. John was a long time parishioner of St. John the Evangelist and most recently attended St. Kateri Tekakwitha Parish in Schenectady, NY with his daughter. John was loved by his wife, family and various pets; known by all to be a caring, compassionate man and a great husband, father and friend to all. He was predeceased by his beloved wife and high school sweetheart Martha Jean (Guerin) Jermano; and his siblings, Ross (Lea) Jermano and Rosemary Neal. Survivors include his loving children; Catherine (Bill) Olohan, John (Scott Jerris) Jermano and Sarah Jermano; adoring grandchildren, Caitlin Olohan, Michael Olohan and Christopher Owen; siblings, Daniel (the late Janet) Jermano and F. Thomas (Idona) Jermano; he is also survived by many nieces, nephews and wonderful friends. John's family would like to thank the Doctors and staff at NYOH and AMC for the loving care shown to John during his illness. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday at 9 AM at St. Kateri Tekakwitha Parish, Rosa Road Campus. Interment to follow in Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery, Niskayuna. Relatives and friends are invited and may call at the St. Kateri Tekakwitha Parish, Rosa Road, on Monday from 2 until 6 PM. Memorial Contributions may be made in John's memory to the American Cancer Society, 1 Penny Lane, Latham, NY 12110. Arrangements are under the caring guidance of Jones Funeral Home. To leave a special message for the family please visit, www.jonesfh.net