Obituary of John R. Johnas

John R. Johnas, 71, of Brunswick, NY., passed away peacefully at his home on January 11, 2019, surrounded by his family.

John was born in Albany and grew up in Rensselaer, NY.   He was the son of the late John M. Johnas and Virginia “Mickey” (McIntyre) Johnas.  John was the beloved husband of 48 years to Kathryn (Hogan) Johnas.  He was a 1965 graduate of Van Rensselaer HS.   In 1968, he served in the 82 Airborne Division of the US Army in Vietnam earning a Bronze Star Medal  and Purple Heart.  

John retired from the Albany Police Department after 21 years of service.  He went on to work for the US Postal Service for 17 years.   He enjoyed his retirement job as a night security guard with Tamarac Schools.  John looked forward to summers at his camp on Burden Lake and vacationing with his family.  One of John’s greatest joys was watching his grandchildren play baseball and soccer.  He will be missed by his faithful yellow lab, Bailey.

In addition to his wife Kathy, John is survived by his children Lisa Johnas, Tracey Johnas (Cher), Karen Smith (David), and Kevin Johnas (Heather); his beloved grandchildren, Taylor, Jacob and Teagan Smith.  

Calling hours will be Tuesday, January 15, 2019, from 4pm-8pm at the William J. Lyons Funeral Home, 1700 Washington Avenue, Rensselaer, NY 12144.  A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, January 16, 2019, at 9:30am at Our Lady of Victory Church, 55 North Lake Avenue, Troy, NY 12180.  Entombment will be held at the St. Mary's Cemetery, Troy, NY.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of John Johnas  may be made to the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society at https://mohawkhumane.org/donate-online.html or to the American Cancer Society.