Obituary of John J. Hernigle

Mr. John J. Hernigle, Jr., 81, of Lafayette Street, Palatine Bridge, New York died Saturday, April 14, 2012 at the Wilkinson Residential Healthcare Facility in Amsterdam. Born on June 18, 1930 in the Town of Root, NY, he was the son of John Hernigle and Harriet Putnam Hernigle. He was a graduate of Canajoharie High School and attended SUNY Morrisville. He was a lifelong area resident. Mr. Hernigle was the Superintendent of Buildings and Grounds for Canajoharie Central School for many years, retiring in 1992. He served in the US Army during the Korean War and continued to serve as a reservist until 1987. Mr. Hernigle attended the Amsterdam United Methodist Church. He was a member of the Smith-Schultz American Legion Post #222 and of the Canajoharie/Fort Plain BPOE Elks Lodge #2621. On January 20, 1956 in Cherry Valley, NY, John was married to Nellie I. Spencer. Together they celebrated 56 years of marriage. He was preceded in death by son-in-law, Christopher Keeney. Mr. Hernigle is survived by his wife, Nellie I. Hernigle of Palatine Bridge, NY; daughter, Jacqueline and James Cromwell of Bumpass, VA; 2 sons, Richard and Lena Hernigle of Helsinki, Finland, Gerald and Denise Hernigle of Canajoharie, NY; 5 grandchildren, Kainen Hernigle of Fort Plain, NY, Nicholas Hernigle of Canajoharie, NY, Silas Bowerman of Killeen TX, Nathan Bowerman of Canajoharie, NY, Emily Cromwell of Sutton, MA; 2 brothers, James and Betty Hernigle of Sprakers, NY, Albert and Eleanor Hernigle of Sprakers, NY; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins. A graveside service will be held on Thursday April 19th at 11am at the Cherry Valley Cemetery with Rev. Greg DeSalvatore officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Houghtaling & Smith Funeral Home, Inc., 20 Otsego Street, Canajoharie, NY 13317. In lieu of flowers contributions in memory of Mr. John J. Hernigle, Jr. may be made to the Mid-County Volunteer Ambulance Service, PO Box 453, Palatine Bridge, NY 13428.