JOHN J. CANNESTRA
ALEXANDRIA BAY – John J. Cannestra, 62, Dingman Point Road, Alexandria Bay, passed away early Saturday morning at St. Joseph’s Nursing Home, Ogdensburg, where he had been a patient since Thursday.
John was born on March 1, 1951 at Chenango Memorial Hospital in Norwich, NY, the son of Joseph and Rose Yacano Cannestra. He graduated from Norwich High School and then served in the United States Army from May 22, 1969 until February 8, 1971, during the Vietnam War. John also graduated from Central City Business Institute (CCBI), Syracuse, NY. He owned and operated various businesses over the course of his life.
John married Marilyn R. Scott on November 6, 1987 at Bonnie Castle in Alexandria Bay. He was the former chairman of the Alexandria Bay Ducks Unlimited committee, a member of the American Legion in Norwich, NY, the VFW in Okeechobee, FL, and St. Cyril’s Church, Alexandria Bay.
Besides his wife, Marilyn, John is survived by his son, Scott Cannestra and his daughter, Christy Cannestra, both of Norwich, NY; step-sons, Scott Chase, Syracuse, and Matthew (Emily) Chase, Alexandria Bay; step-daughter, Penny Walker, Carthage, NY; sister, Jean Cannestra, Franklin, TN; nine grandchildren; cousin, Joe Cannestra, Birmingham, AL; uncle, Tom Yacano, Cortland, NY; many cousins, nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his son Mark Cannestra.
Calling hours were held from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. on Monday, February 17, 2014 at Costello Funeral Home, Alexandria Bay. A funeral mass was held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, February 18, 2014 at St. Cyril’s Catholic Church, Alexandria Bay. Burial will be at St. Cyril’s cemetery in the spring.
Memorial donations may be made in John’s name to the Alexandria Bay Fire Department or St. Cyril’s Church.