Obituary of John M. Pastalenic

John M. Pastalenic (Pasztaleniec) passed away peacefully Friday, January 1, 2021. He was born March 27, 1923 in Olean, N.Y. to the late Thomas and Mary (Woloszyn) Pasztaleniec. He served with the US Army during World War II in the 517 Parachute Regimental Combat Division, earning the Bronze Star for valor, the Purple Heart being wounded while serving his country and most recently nominated to the 2021 New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame. After the war he married Dorothy J Seaver on April 10, 1948 with whom he enjoyed 72 years of marriage. By trades he was a building supplies salesman, a butcher, and a blacksmith. His true passion came later, when he devoted this time to Christmas tree farming, gardening and his animals. But most of all was a devoted Christian and loving husband, father, and grandfather who loved Jesus. John will be sadly missed by his loving wife, Dorothy J. Pastalenic, children, Thomas E. Talen (son), Julana S. Thompson (daughter); Norman M. Thompson (son-in-law) and his grandchildren, Nicholas, Olivia, John and Brent, extended family and many loyal, loving and devoted friends whose lives they touched. A private memorial will be held in the summer, 2021. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Samaritan's Purse (www.samaritanspurse.org) or Alzheimer's Association (act.alz.org/donate). Cards can be sent to Jana Thompson, 643 Saddle Crest Drive, Webster, NY 14580. Funeral arrangements entrusted to the Bender-Brown & Powers Funeral Home in Hornell. To send a remembrance please visit www.brownandpowersfuneralhomes.com, or on Facebook @brownpowersfh, the family is being assisted by director Chester A. Gosper IV.