John R. Kanalley

John R. Kanalley, 78 of Scipio Center, passed away Wednesday, May 1, 2024, with his family at his side in Auburn Community Hospital. Born in Auburn on May 27, 1945, he was the son of the late Joseph and Grace (Clark) Kanalley. John was a graduate of Sherwood High School Class of 1963 and later completed his degree in psychology at Cayuga Community College. He was employed by various local manufacturing companies over the years including Goulds Pumps, ALCO, and Brockway Trucking.  John owned Kanalley Brothers Excavation Co. in the late seventies and eventually retired from being self-employed after various heavy equipment operator jobs. John loved coaching his son’s baseball teams, gardening, dancing with his wife, and spending time with his family. John was a very active member of St. Bernard’s Church.

He is survived by his loving wife of almost 60 years, Cathy Spiero Kanalley; children Ellen Deák (John), Felicia Allen, Daniel Kanalley (Wendy Crutcher), and Kathleen Adessa (Christopher); brothers Thomas Kanalley (Beth) and James Kanalley (Donna); grandchildren David (Kristina), Aaron, Theodore (Juliette), Adam, Gregory, Abigail, Caleb, Hunter, and Miriam; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, John was predeceased by his brother Patrick Kanalley.

Friends are invited to join the family for a Mass of Christian Burial to be offered Friday, May 10, 2024 at 11:00am at St. Patrick’s Church, Moravia. Burial will follow at St. Bernard’s Cemetery, Scipio Center. Calling hours for John will be conducted Thursday, May 9, from 4 to 6pm in the White Chapel Funeral Home Inc., 197 South Street Auburn.

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