John Lais

John A. Lais, 59, of Burlington, VT; and Wynantskill, NY; died unexpectedly Saturday evening August 20, 2011 at Carteret General Hospital in Morehead City, NC.

Born in Amsterdam, NY, on January 31, 1952, he was a son of the late Walter T. and Arlene J. Bemis Lais.

John was a graduate of Wilbur H. Lynch Senior High School in Amsterdam. He also received his Associate's Degree in Mechanical Drawing from Mesa Community College in Mesa, AZ.

John was employed for over 30 years as a union pipe fitter and draftsman for Plumbing & Steamfitters Association Local 7 in Latham, NY. John took great pride in being a union member. He traveled around the U. S. to work. John had a passion to travel, he and June traveled to 47 states.

John's greatest pleasure was helping others. His last gift was as an organ donor.

He was a past member of Moose Lodge 1185 in Johnstown, NY; where he loved playing shuffleboard and darts. He was an active member of the Polish American Veterans Club in Schenectady, NY.

John is survived by his wife June (Langlois) Lais to whom he married on August 25, 1984, one daughter, Rebecca Griffin of Amsterdam, NY; three sons, David and Christopher of Amsterdam, NY; and Eric of Bethlehem, NY; four brothers, Walter (beverly) of Benton City, WA; Robert (Rhonda) and Jody (Sandra) of Perth NY; and Mark (Pam) of Sprakers, NY; two sisters, Cindy Zuzda (John) and Karen Larson (Roger) of Perth, NY. Ten grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Many nieces, nephews, cousins and his favorite aunt, Elizabeth Torowski.

A brother, Donald Timothy Lais also predeceased John.

Funeral services will be held on Friday morning at 10:00 at the Riley Mortuary, Inc. 110 Division Street, Amsterdam, NY, followed at 11:00 by church services at The United Presbyterian Church, 25 Church Street, Amsterdam, NY.

Calling hours are Thursday from 4 to 7 at the Riley Mortuary, Inc.

Memorial gifts in John's name may be made to Ronald McDonald House, 16 South Winooski Avenue, Burlington, VT 05401.