NORWICH – John Edward Tiquin, 88, a life-long resident of Norwich, well known in local veterans circles and a life-long parishioner of St. Paul’s Church, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2011 in the New York State Veterans’ Home, where he has made his home for the past several years.
John was born in Norwich in May of 1923, the son of William and Mary Byrne Tiquin. He attended St. Paul’s Catholic School and was a 1941 graduate of the Norwich High School. In November of 1942, John entered the United States Army. He served his country until his honorable discharge in December of 1945, having attained the rank of Staff Sgt. While in the service, John earned the Asiatic APCIFIC Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the Philippines Liberation Ribbon and the WWII Victory Medal. Returning home, John decided to further his education by attending Syracuse University, from which he graduated in 1949 with a BS degree in personnel and industrial relations. Back in Norwich, John worked for a short period of time for Norwich Mills and the Norwich Evening Sun for 15 years before beginning his employment with the Norwich Pharmacal Co. where he worked for 21 years, first in the cost and payroll area and then in operations.
John was a life-long member of St. Paul’s Roman Catholic Church where he worked for many years as the church sacristan and also volunteered countless hours. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and was Past Grand Knight. Very active in local veterans affairs, John was a life member of the American Legion Post #189 as well as the VFW Post #2782. He had served as Chaplain of the American Legion, and was an active member of the military funeral detail.
John is survived by his nieces: Katherine Henn and her husband Howard of Denville, N.J., Margaret King and her husband Glenn, and Mary Dennis and her husband William. Several great nieces, great nephews and great great nieces and nephews also survive.
John was predeceased by his sister, Jane T. Gabler, his nephew, H. Edward Gabler III and his life long friend Robert Smith.
A Mass of Christian Burial for John will be held on Monday, Nov. 21, at 10 a.m. from St. Paul’s Roman Catholic Church. The Rev. Ralph Bove, pastor, will officiate. Interment with full military rites will follow in St. Paul’s Cemetery.
Friends may call at the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home on Sunday afternoon from 3-5 p.m.