John Allen McKern

GLENMONT– John A. McKern, 81, died Wednesday, October 8, 2014 at Daughters of Sarah Nursing Center, a place he had called home for more than a year. He will be missed each Monday by his Bingo buddies and every Sunday in the Village Square tapping his fingers to the music. He even made friends with the resident goldfish. Known as "Grumpy Cat", he made an impression on all the staff who learned to roll with his punches and grew to love him as he was. John grew up in Columbia County, first in New Lebanon where he was born and went to the New Lebanon Central School. He was right at home in this small rural community until grade nine when the family moved to Chatham. He had a strong love for the outdoors, going fishing in the little streams, and walking through the woods looking for deer tracks. His love for fishing and hunting continued throughout high school. His mother finally accepted that she would have to write an excuse from school each year on the opening day of trout fishing, pheasant hunting, and deer hunting. We were often treated to frogs legs for dinner, which he caught at Old Pond, brought home and cleaned in time for dinner. His sister's hat was adorned with a new pheasant feather every year. Upon graduation from high school, John headed to college in Utica where he earned an associates degree in Retail Business Management. Following graduation he was offered his first government job, well, offer may not be the right word. He was drafted into the army where his new nickname became "McGirk the Clerk". During part of this tour of duty he was stationed in Fort Hood, Texas where he became a pet of the base commandant who would take him home with him on many weekends. Hardly tough duty. But the experience in the US Army and an Honorable Discharge proved important throughout the rest of his life. Following his discharge from that government job, he spent a year at SUC New Paltz and then joined some of the family in a move to Miami. Florida. His grandfather, F.N. Stevens, was a developer in Miami in the 30's and 40's, establishing roots for several decades. It was time for his next government job. This time the employer was the United States Postal Service, his employer for the next thirty years. For most of his postal career John was assigned to the Weighers Office, where all of the postage inventory was disseminated throughout Dade County. Turning down all promotions that required wearing a necktie, he still made a name for himself. According to an evaluation prepared by his supervisor, "John is the most talented and prolific employee I have ever supervised." This evaluation resulted in a $500 special achievement award. An award given to him more than once. After hours he attended the University of Miami and earned a B.S. degree in Marketing, Class of 1959. The Miami climate suited him well as he got to know every hole on the local golf courses from the Coral Gables Country Club to Doral; and every dog tack and horse track within fifty miles. John moved to Glenmont from Miami in March 1996 and joined his sister in a number of volunteer activities, including walking through the woods accompanying her on land appraisals. participating in scam workshops at various senior housing facilities, and helping with the Capital District Senior Issues Forum's Senior Lifetime Achievement Awards Ceremonies. He was known for his gruff exterior and his thoughtful caring heart. He was truly one of a kind. In addition to his parents, Wilbur Henry McKern and Myrtle Stevens McKern, John was predeceased by two brothers, Wilbur Henry McKern, Jr. and Robert Stevens McKern. Survivors include his sister, Patricia Jane Binzer (Henry) of Glenmont ; and nieces and nephews, Jayne Binzer Jacowitz (Steven) of New York City, Trisha McKern Cortas (Edward) of Louisville, KY, and Chris McKern (Eileen) and Tim McKern (Sherri), all of Washington. Relatives and friends are invited to call on Saturday, October 18th from 2 to 3 pm at the Applebee Funeral Home, 403 Kenwood Ave., Delmar. A brief memorial service will follow at 3 pm. Entombment will be in Saratoga National Cemetery at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to one of John's favorite charities, the Capital City Rescue Mission, 259 So. Pearl St., Albany, NY 12202-1805.