John D. Rainville

John D. Rainville, 86

North Greenbush, NY John D. Rainville, 86, of Meadow Drive North Greenbush and Lake Hadlock, NY, died peacefully Wednesday, April 7, 2004 at Albany Medical Center Hospital.

Born in Glens Falls, he was the son of the late Dominique and Emma (Deapo) Rainville and husband for 56 years of Marian Gander Rainville.

He had resided in North Greenbush for 55 years and was educated at Saint Mary's Academy Glens Falls and Hill Diesel Division of the University of Long Island where he became a diesel engineer.

Mr.Rainville was employed at Hill Diesel for several years and for Otis Elevator from 1939 to 1959 when he became the proprietor of Gander's Liquor Store in Albany until his retirement in 1983.

During World War II, John was a Staff Sergeant, engineer and pilot and completed 117 combat missions in B125's in the African, Mediterranean and European Theatres. He was a life member of the 57th Bomb Wing Association and attended many reunions throughout the US; a life member of the William F. Wigand VFW Post 8444 in Albany and the Sullivan-Jones VFW Post #7466 in Poestenkill and a member of the Wynantskill American Legion. He was also a charter member and communicant of St. Jude the Apostle Church in Wynantskill and a member of the Knights of St. Jude and the Nocturnal Adoration Society. He was also a communicant of St. Ann's Church in Fort Ann, NY. John was a past president of the Capital District Retail Liquor Store Association, a member of the Albany Lodge and Troy Lodge of Elks and the Lake Hadlock Association.

Upon his retirement he and his wife traveled extensively. He also enjoyed refinishing antique furniture, making Bluebird houses and feeders and cutting boards. He could repair almost anything and often would say "If Johnny can't fix it throw it away."

Survivors in addition to his wife include eight daughters, Bonnie (John) Wood of Troy, Nanette (Frank) Reid of Farmington Hills, MI, Mary Rose (James) DeLaMater of Troy, Ellen (John) Riley of Moretown, VT, Suzy (Jack) Coffey of Alexandria, VA, Vanita (Mark) Downey of Poestenkill, Cricket (Richard) Abidin of Barboursville, VA and Teresa (Peter) Caminiti of Barrington, IL; Proud grandfather of 16 boys and girls; special dad of James (Tina) Richburg of Schenectady; a sister Theresa (Leo) Lambert of NC; a special cousin, Rev. Laurence P. Rainville OFM of Siena College and several cousins, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by an infant daughter, Joan; three sisters, Sr. Dominica Joseph CSJ, Dorothy Toomey, Eileen 'Deanie' Baker and three brothers Alery, Edmund and Joseph Rainville.

Funeral service will be held Monday, April 12, 2004 at 10:30 AM from the Bryce Funeral Home Inc. 276 Pawling Avenue Troy and at 11:00 AM at from St. Jude the Apostle Church in Wynantskill where a Mass of Christian Burial will be con-celebrated by Rev. James Clark, Pastor and Rev. Laurence Rainville OFM. Relatives and friends may call at the Bryce Funeral Home Inc. on Saturday, April 10, 2004 from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Interment Our Lady Help of Christians Cemetery in Glenmont.

Contributions may be made in memory of Mr. Rainville to the National Down Syndrome Chapter, Down Right Special, 1205 VT Route 12, Woodstock, VT 05091 or the charity of ones choice.

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