WEST SPRINGFIELD, MA ~ John C. Sarkis, 92, of West Springfield, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Monday, October 29, 2018 after a short illness. He was born in Springfield on March 6, 1926, a beloved son of the late Charles and Vera (Azour) Sarkis. He was raised in Springfield, graduated from Cathedral High School and moved to West Springfield where he proudly built his own home in 1959. John served his country in the United States Navy during World War II. He received the American Theatre Ribbon, the Asiatic-Pacific Ribbon and the World War II Victory Medal. He received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration and Engineering from WNEC. John retired after 40 years from ConRail in Hartford, CT as an Assistant General Foreman. Following his retirement, John worked with his brother and nephews at the Springfield Jewelry and Diamond Exchange and was affectionately known to all as “Uncle John.” He belonged to Saint Anthony Maronite Catholic Church in Springfield. John leaves his beloved wife, Marie (Nichols) Sarkis. They were married on June 26, 1949 at Saint Anthony’s and were blessed with over 69 years of happiness together. He also leaves his three loving children, Mary Sloan and her husband Rodney, of Scotland, Ann Ryan and her husband Michael, of VA, and Joseph Sarkis and his wife Ann-Marie, of West Springfield; his four cherished grandchildren, Katie Rudd and her husband Jason, Connery Ryon, Laura Sarkis, and Anthony Sarkis; his devoted brother, George Sarkis and his wife Peggy, of Springfield; his dear sister-in-law, Odette Toomey and her husband Joseph, of Springfield; his dear brother-in-law, Albert Mancini of Ludlow; and his many dear nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends. Besides his parents, he was also predeceased by his two dear sisters, Adele Mango and Eva Gabric. He enjoyed many fishing and hunting trips with his son Joe over the years. He was very knowledgeable on many subjects and if you ever had a question, John had the answer. John and Marie enjoyed many memorable trips to Scotland to visit his daughter and family. His Funeral will be held on Saturday morning, November 3, 2018 beginning at the St. Pierre-Phaneuf Springfield Chapels, (413-737-1177), 7 Chapin Terrace, Springfield, MA 01107 (funeral home will open at 8:30 a.m.), followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at Saint Anthony Maronite Catholic Church, 375 Island Pond Road, Springfield, MA 01118. His Burial with United States Navy Military Honors will follow the Mass at Saint Thomas Cemetery, 420 Kings Highway, West Springfield, MA 01089. His family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday, November 2, 2018 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. with a Dedication of His Life by his family and friends at 6 p.m. His family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made in his memory to Saint Anthony Maronite Catholic Church, 375 Island Pond Road, Springfield, MA 01118. For more details, please visit: www.stpierrephaneuf.com. His family would like to extend their deepest thanks to the staff at Caring Solutions for their compassionate care extended to John these past few years.
