HUDSON FALLS – John Frank Missita, 72, of Hudson Falls, entered into the arms of his Savior, surrounded by his loving family, on Friday, September 20, 2013, at his home.
Born November 6, 1940 in Glens Falls, he was the son of the late Salvatore and Helen (Sebert) Missita.
John was graduated from Glens Falls High School in 1958. He then served in
The United States Army and was stationed at the White House under Presidents’
Kennedy and Johnson. There he coded all of their important messages.
On January 20, 1979, John married Virginia Maynard at the Ridge Road Wesleyan Church.
He worked many years for J.E. Sawyer as a shipping manager and also at Lowe’s as a shipping manager. He drove the trolley for the Glens Falls Transit. He then was a school bus driver for the Hudson Falls schools, and most recently, Glens Falls schools. To him driving the school bus and taking care of the kids was his most important job.
John was a member of Gospel Lighthouse Assemblies of God Church in Hudson Falls. He loved running and for many years was a High School baseball umpire. He coached the South Glens Falls American Legion Baseball team and is an inductee to the Glens Falls High School Athletic Hall of Fame. He was the most loyal Red Sox fan in America.
John loved his God and family and took great pride in being a great life long friend to many.
In addition to his parent, he is predeceased by an infant son, Michael Todd
Missita, a sister, Jane Missita, and a nephew, David John Missita.
Survivors include his wife of 34 years, Virginia Missita of Hudson Falls; his children, Deborah Missita Colvin of Colorado, Jacqueline Missita Hoffer and her husband Kris of Glens Falls, Rico Missita of California, James Mallory and his wife Esther of Hudson Falls, Jeremy Mallory and his wife Karissa of Hudson Falls, Amy Yrsha and her husband Marc of Queensbury; his grandchildren, Ethan and Paul Colvin, Amanda, Brooke, and Esther Mallory, Kaitlyn Connor, Kylee, Caleb and Keirsten Mallory, Chase and Sydney Yrsha; one brother, George Missita and his wife Sonja of South Carolina; one aunt, Grace Fish of Glens Falls; his mother in law, Joyce Maynard of Hudson Falls; many brothers and sisters in law, nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is also survived by his former wife, Donna Kottman of Greenfield Center.
Friends may call from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., on Tuesday, at the Gospel Lighthouse
Assemblies of God Church on LaCrosse Street in Hudson Falls.
Funeral services will take place Wednesday at 1 p.m., at the church with Reverend Paul Mead, pastor, officiating.
Interment, with military honors, will follow at Union Cemetery in Fort Edward.
Donations in memory of John can be made to C.R. Wood Cancer Center, Glens Falls, NY, 12801, and Gospel Lighthouse Church, 30 LaCrosse Street, Hudson Falls, NY, 12839
The Missita family would like to thank Dr. Gillani, Donna Boss and the staffs at the Cancer Center and Tower 2 of the Glens Falls Hospital for their love and support
Knew John for many years with baseball and sports being the glue that binded our friendship…John had a heart the size of Texas …he was a great guy and my son Dennis (who played Legion ball for John for three years) and my wife and I will miss him dearly… I will still look for him at the Civic Center during basketball/hockey games to talk to John to update him on Dennis’j coaching career and/or the latest Red Sox trade. He was loved by many.
John was a true gentleman who loved life. Never in a bad mood except if the red sox lost. John loved kids and baseball and if a kid could play baseball they had a lifelong friend. Johns spirit was contagious and I always felt better after a visit with him. Johns family can rest assured that he now sits in the arms of the lord, RIP John.
Ginny Sue & Family,
We are so sorry for your loss and want you all to know we are thinking of you.
You are in our prayers. Love to all.
Shelley, Sharon & Regina Chase
I had the pleasure of playing baseball and basketball with John.
He was small in stature, but not small in talent, hustle and heart.
John was a great competitor and a pleasure to have as a teammate.
We used to call him “Miskit” not to be confused with misfit!
He was a wonderful guy and we will all miss him.
My condolences to his family.
Sincerely,
Dick Leland
John touched my life in many ways. A sensitive caring man who loved kids,baseball and life in general. He was a spiritual person, had a great sense of humor and loved the game of baseball. Our coaching relationship was priceless as he taught me much about the game. In all the years of coaching together, with Mohican Post 553, he never uttered a negative comment or curse word. I will never forget his devotion to his wife Ginny as they were inseparable. In a recent phone conversation he cried as he said,”Bobby, I don’t care what happens to me, I just worry about Ginny, she has been so good to me. After our coaching days together I came to find out he was a great stand-up commedian when he brought down the house at the Queensbury during a Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. Everybody loved Johnny Missita. God bless the entire family, especially his devoted wife Ginny.
Your Friend,
Bob Bogdan
My dear sweet loving cousin I will keep your witty ways and laugh in my heart always. With regard to our last conversation I hope you make it there now!
You were the wit in the family and the love you showed won’t be forgotten!
Going to miss you lots. Keep a place in the family for me until I get there! LOve sally
We are so sorry to hear of John’s passing. May you find comfort knowing he is with Jesus. We both remember a sermon that he preached; bring your bible when you come to church. He was an encouragement to us. Our love and prayers are with your family.
I was sorry to hear from John’s passing. He was such a wonderful man and always had a smile for everyone. I was glad to see both of you at my Dad’s memorial service and I had been praying for you since being home. You will still be in my prayers that God will help you through the days ahead.