John Kolodij

John Kolodij, age 75, of Trumansburg, NY passed away peacefully at home on February 8, 2022 after a courageous three year battle with colon cancer.

He was born on August 27, 1946 in Ehrhorn, Germany a son of the late Maximus and Lidia (Pszenczna) Kolodij.  John’s family fled the Ukraine in the late 1940’s and emigrated from France in 1951, eventually making their way to Ithaca, New York, where John spent his childhood. John spent most of his working life at the NCR Corporation/later Axiohm where he made many lifelong friends.  He finished his career at Cornell University.

John was a proud American citizen, patriot and veteran having served in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War.  Family and friends meant everything to John.  He shared undying love for friends and relatives, especially his children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

John is survived by his wife Michele, their children John (Catherine Holt) Kolodij and Jennifer (Randall) Rockwell; four grandchildren, Matthew Rockwell, Charlotte, Hollis and Ruby Kolodij.

John’s family would like to thank the many people who helped make his last years the best they could be.  These include: Dr. Adam Law and the staff of Ithaca Med; The Cayuga Cancer Center and the office of Dr. Charles Garbo, including Hannah Potts, NP and the marvelous staff that helped extend John’s life in such an efficient and loving way.  Finally, thank you to Care First hospice, palliative care and grief support services who made John’s last days comfortable.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 19, 2022 at 10:00 am at the Ness-Sibley Funeral Home at 23 South Street in Trumansburg.  A graveside service with military honors will immediately follow at the Calvary Cemetery in Ithaca.

Following the graveside service, a luncheon will follow at Little Venice Ristorante, 49 East Main Street, Trumansburg, NY.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks those that would like to make a contribution in John’s memory to kindly consider Tunnel To Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY or American Legion Post 770, PO Box 456, Trumansburg, NY 14886 or Ithaca VFW, 423 W. State Street, Ithaca, NY.