

Obituary of John W Mabee Jr
John Mabee
Vestal- John Mabee 85, passed peacefully on January 10, 2025 at home with his family by his side.
John was born December 8, 1939, in Schenectady, NY. He was the son of the late John and Helen Dawson Mabee. He grew up in Scotia, NY. After graduating from high school John started his professional career with the Syracuse Supply Company in Schenectady, NY. He was then transferred to Syracuse, NY for the next four years. His final transfer was to Vestal, NY it was then that he decided to call Vestal his home. In Vestal, he managed the Hyster Lift Truck Division. During his tenure with SSC in Vestal he assisted with the layout and design of the Hyster Lift Truck Division in Conklin, NY. John retired from SSC after 25 years of service. John continued his professional career in Vestal, NY with Albany Ladder AKA South Central Scaffolding, NES, and currently United Rental for another 25 years. He finally retired in 2005. John truly cherished the lifelong friendships that he made throughout his professional career.
John was preceded in death by his parents John and Helen Dawson Mabee, brother James "Jimmy" Mabee, Brothers-in-law John Iveson, Gordon Smith, Tim Johnson, John Smith, Sisters-in-law Joan Johnson, Carole Smith, Nephews James Iveson, Great Nephew James Bond, Cousins Arlene and Joe Pizzuti, Mother and Father-in-law Al and Lottie Edie Altman. John was also blessed with several aunts and uncles who preceded him in death from the Mabee and Dawson relatives.
John is survived by his wife June who was the pride of his life. John met June on a beautiful afternoon in June at Central Park in Schenectady, NY in 1959 and they have been together ever since. John and June raised four wonderful sons: Craig (Penny) Vestal, Garrett (Ann-Marie) Clifton Park, Bryant (Kelly) Vestal, Brent (Megan) Saratoga. The family continued to grow with 9 grandchildren: Rob (Sarah), Joshua (Meredith), John (Larissa), Joseph, Bryant (Quiashawn), Mason (Kenna), Jacob, Nora, Nolan, and 5 Great Grandchildren: Finley, Beckham, Patrick, Ella, Stella. John is also survived by: Brother Gary (Kim) Mabee NY, Sisters Susan Smith NM, Sally (Jeff) Owen AL, Sisters-in-law Cassie Mabee Litts NY, Arlene Lent NY, Aunt Gloria Leo NY, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins that he enjoyed spending time with and loved so much.
Life wasn't always easy for a family with five children. John was the firstborn. Support from family and friends was life-changing. He never forgot that life lesson. His devotion showed in the many ways that he took care of his family and friends… through his actions big and small, and the grandchildren will attest to "The Blue Book."
John was so proud of his sons. He was an active participant in all of their activities. He coached Little League and would fondly remember the year he planned the Little League parade. He coached Babe Ruth, travel soccer "The Sting", and Vestal United Methodist Basketball Teams for 32 years, coaching then scheduling all league games.
John then became a regular spectator at all of his grandchildren's extracurricular activities. He loved spending time with them. He would tell anyone who would listen about all of their accomplishments. He was a committed volunteer, not only to sports: VUMC he participated on many church council meetings, was an usher, MYF Leader, mentor for conformation, Vestal Lions Club, Vestal Booster Club, Inside Information Club, Vestal All-Nighter, and Soccer Booster Club.
John loved talking to people even during Covid he would knock on the window and wave at people as they would walk by. It was a small gesture of making a person feel noticed and welcomed.
John will be remembered for his teasing jokes (though some were sarcastic), Welcoming smile, Firm Handshake, Committed work ethic, and leadership. His favorite saying was " A smile costs nothing but gives much"
Funeral Services will be on Sunday, January 26th, 2025 at Vestal United Methodist Church, 328 Main St, Vestal, NY. Calling hours will be 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and a celebration of life service to follow.
The family would like to thank those who shared their compassion for John and our family: Henry Kaphesi is an amazing aide… who became a great family friend. Thank you to Pastors Sundar, Willis, Harris, and all the VUMC family for all of their support and prayers. Dr. Porsteinsson and Nurse Brittany at the Rochester Memory Care Clinic. The Lourdes Hospice Care Team, Nurse Brittni, Chaplin Jordan, and all the amazing support staff. The Grace Lutheran Respite Care Volunteers for their wonderful contribution to helping caregivers.
In lieu of flowers and in keeping with Johns's commitment to the community please consider a memorial contribution:
Cornell Cooperative Extension to help support all of their teaching and outlook programs, 840 Front St, Binghamton NY,13905 c/o Carol Futterman- Human Resource Coordinator.
Guthrie/Lourdes Hospice, 4102 Old Vestal Rd, Vestal NY, 13850
Mabee Farm Historic Site, Rotterdam NY, to support the preservation of history through teaching, contributions go to Schenectady County Historical Society 32 Washington Avenue, Schenectady NY, 12305.
Celebrating Over 135 Years of Serving our Families

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