John F. Herrick
1943 -2023
Class of '62
1943 -2023
SALAMANCA - John F. Herrick, 79, of Salamanca, died Friday (March 17, 2023) at Bradford Regional Medical Center, following a short illness.
Born Nov. 14, 1943, in Salamanca, he was a son of George and Marie Steffanhagen Herrick. He was married June 22, 1968, in St. Patrick's Church, to the former Dianne M. Bartoszek, who survives.
He was a graduate of Salamanca High School, Class of 1962, and attended St. Bonaventure University before being drafted into the U.S. Army. He served during the Vietnam era and was honorably discharged in 1968.
John had been employed as a bridge welder for the B&O Railroad for 15 years and for the New York State Dept. of Transportation for 20 years, retiring in 2008.He was a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars John F. Ahrens Post 5296, the Salamanca American Legion Hughes-Skiba Post 535 and the Holy Cross Athletic Club.
He enjoyed bowling and HCAC softball, but especially treasured his grandchildren.
Besides his wife, he is survived by his three children, Laurie (Bob) Herrick and Marcie (Andy) Sawyer, both of Salamanca, John Ryan (Angela) Herrick of Franklinville; grandchildren, Matthew Bridges of Tennessee, Logan Herrick of Rochester, Brianna Sawyer, Autumn Maybee and Hunter Sawyer, all of Salamanca, Kylynn, Ryanna, Jameson and Ellie Herrick all of Franklinville; a great-granddaughter, Sawyer Zurat of Salamanca; a brother, Douglas "Dude" (Phyllis) Herrick of Salamanca; a sister, Babette (Jim) Martin of Salamanca; and many nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents, he was predeceased by a sister, Lorna Reynolds; and a brother, George "Jerry" Herrick.
Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday (March 21, 2023) at the O'Rourke & O'Rourke Inc. Funeral Home, 25 River St., Salamanca. Funeral services will be held in the funeral home at 11 a.m. Wednesday (March 22, 2023). Full military honors will be conducted by members of the American Legion Hughes-Skiba Post 535 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars John F. Ahrens Post 5296.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be sent to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 55575-8516.
E-condolences can be sent to orourke.orourkefh@gmail.com or posted to facebook.com/onofh.