John Rell

SAUGERTIES...John G. Rell, Sr., 77, of Stay Rd., died Thursday January 20, 2022 at the Vassar Brothers Hospital. He was born in Catskill on May 13, 1944 to the late Margaret Garrison and John Hodor.

John’s faith in Jesus was an inspiration to his family.  John’s greatest love was his wife, Mary.  Their 5 sons were the pride of his life and he passed on to them what a great man of character should be.  John spent many hours working on projects and tinkering in the garage with them.  They felt there was nothing he couldn’t do or fix.  John saw his son’s wives as his daughters and he loved how they spoiled him.  His grandchildren affectionately called him Poppy or Pop.  He adored them all and cherished every moment with them.  Things that brought John joy and put a smile on his face included holidays with the entire family and any occasion like sitting around the fire pit, camping, poker night or meals where family gathered.  John also enjoyed going on various cruises, dinner theater, plays and casinos with family and friends.

For many years he was a police officer for the Village and Town of Saugerties and later a foreman for Lehigh Cement Company. He was a former member of the Centerville/Cedar Grove Fire Department and a member of the Saugerties Senior Citizen Club.

Survivors include Mary, his wife of 57 years; five sons, John (Kari) Rell Jr. of Saugerties, Doug (Bianca) Rell of Cairo, Michael (Statia) Rell, Bret (Amy) Rell, Lance (Judy) Rell all of Saugerties and Michael (Janet) Sullivan of Palenville; thirteen grandchildren, James (Elspeth), John III "Johnny", Helene "Laina" (Ben), Annike, Kristiane "Monkey", Douglas Jr. "Buckeroo", Mallory "Pinky" (Tim), Shai Mary (Jeffrey), Jack Michael, Kristin “Marie” (Lorin "Olin"), Bret Jr. "Buckster", Veronica, Tavin "Taverino"; two great grandchildren, Ragnar and Finn and a great granddaughter on the way. He is also survived by a sister, Joan (Mike) Lanuto of Catskill.

John is predeceased by eight brothers and sisters: Barbara (Bobbie), Claudette, Charles, Richard, Judy, Midge, Barry and Jean.

His Funeral Service will be held 10 am Friday at the Seamon-Wilsey Funeral Home Inc., corner of John and Lafayette Sts. Burial will follow in the Blue Mountain Cemetery.  Visitation will be held 2-4 and 7-9 pm on Thursday. Further obituary information and expressions of condolence may be shared on his Tribute Wall at SeamonWilseyFuneralHome.com

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