John Mccune

John R. “Rocky” McCune, 89, of Highland Road, Amsterdam, New York passed away Tuesday morning July 16, 2013 at St. Mary’s Healthcare in Amsterdam surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Amsterdam on August 3, 1923, he was the son of the late Robert F. and M. Anna Gaugler McCune.

Rocky was a graduate of St. Mary’s Institute, Class of 1941 in Amsterdam. He also graduated from Niagara University in 1952, with a Bachelor of Science degree. He served in the US Navy Armed Guard, in the Pacific Theatre, as a Signalman 3rd Class (1944-46) aboard the USS Elwood Hills. He also played semi-pro football with Amsterdam Zephyrs in 1947.

Rocky was the owner of John R. McCune Agency, Inc., Real Estate and Insurance in Amsterdam. He was a member of the Board of Directors of the Amsterdam Housing Authority, Catholic Charities and Antler’s Country Club. He was past-president of the Amsterdam Board of Realtors and the Amsterdam Insurance Association.

Rocky was a parishioner and communicant of St. Mary’s Church and the Holy Name Society, Amsterdam, and a member of Knights of Columbus Council 209, B.P.O.Elks Lodge 101, James T. Bergen Post 39, John J. Wyszomirski American Legion Post 701 all in Amsterdam and the Niagara University Alumni Association and also was a volunteer at St. Mary's Hospital.

Rocky is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Madeline McKeon McCune, whom he married July 16, 1955 at St. Joseph’s Church in Troy, NY; one son, Robert F. McCune of Amsterdam, two daughters, Mary Pat Devine (Dan) of Latham, NY; and Maureen Mickel (Kevin) of Niskayuna, NY, his five adored granddaughters: Anna, Staci and Shanon McCune, and Chelsea and Meghan Mickel; one brother, Richard McCune (Marilyn) of Amsterdam, one sister, Gloria McCune also of Amsterdam. He was pre-deceased by his brother Thomas of Amsterdam. He is also survived by his sisters in law, Mary McKeon of Troy, NY and Patricia McKeon of Deerfield Beach, FL, and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday morning July 20, 2013 at 10:15 at the Riley Mortuary, Inc. 110 Division Street, Amsterdam, New York, followed at 11:00 by a Mass of Christian Burial, which will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Church 156 East Main Street, Amsterdam.

Interment with full military honors will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Fort Johnson, NY.

Calling hours are Friday from 4 to 7 at the Riley Mortuary.

Memorial gifts in Rocky’s name may be made to St. Mary’s Institute, 10 Kopernik Dr., St. Mary’s Healthcare Foundation, 427 Guy Park Avenue, both of Amsterdam, NY 12010; or to Leatherstocking Honor Flight, P.O. Box 621, Cobleskill, New York 12043