John J. Sleasman

Albany-John J. Sleasman, 96, died on Tuesday May 19, 2015 at Albany Memorial Hospital surrounded by his loving family. Born in Albany, he was the son of the late Christopher and Mary (Brophy) Sleasman. John attended Vincentian Institute High School before working at the Watervliet Arsenal during World War II and subsequently enlisted in the US Army. After being honorably discharged from the military, John joined his brothers, Fred and Chris, as owners of the Modern Food Market in Albany. The “Modern” was a family institution in Albany for forty years until its closure in 1984. His sense of humor and mischievous personality were trademarks that endeared John to their customers for several generations. John and Mary, his cherished wife of seventy years, retired to Jacksonville, FL where they enjoyed experiencing and sharing the lives of their Florida children and grandchildren. They returned home together to Albany in 2002 to reunite with their Albany family and friends. They became residents of Our Lady of Hope Residence in Latham for twelve years before moving to the Teresian House in early 2014. John was committed to his Catholic faith and was very active in all of his church families throughout his life including Blessed Sacrament Church and St. Teresa of Avila Church in Albany as well as Holy Family Church in Jacksonville, FL. The family of John would like to express their appreciation to the staff at Teresian House for treating our Dad like their own, especially after Mary’s passing in late 2014. In addition, a heartfelt thank-you goes out to all the professionals at Albany Memorial Hospital who cared for John during the last week of his life. He was blessed to be surrounded by such caring, compassionate caregivers, at both locations, during the last year of his life. John was the lifelong sweetheart and loving husband of Mary M. Hession Sleasman; cherished father of John Sleasman (Janice), Mary Ellen Smith (Edward), Elizabeth Nardiello, Eileen Gallo (Michael), Margaret Barnhart (Douglas), Richard Sleasman (Theresa) and Paul Sleasman (Anne); beloved “Poppy” of John Sleasman, Megan Sleasman, Kara Land (Kelly), Kristina Smith, Nadine Baker (Steve), Charles Nardiello (Amy), Scott Gallo (Stephanie), Andrew Gallo (Alison), Matthew Sgroi (Amanda), Gregory Sleasman, Brian Sleasman, Steven Sleasman, and Erica Daley (Scott); brother of the late Frederick (Eleanor) Sleasman, Rev. Martin Sleasman, Christopher (Marie) Sleasman, and Marguerite (Paul) Maney; brother-in-law of Bernadette Vermette (late Andrew), Elizabeth Hession, and the late John (Mina) Hession, Patrick (Mary Agnes) Hession and James (Lillian) Hession. John is survived by seven great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews who he loved dearly. Funeral services Friday, May 22, 2015 at 9:45 am from the McVeigh Funeral Home, 208 North Allen Street, Albany thence to Blessed Sacrament Church, Albany at 10:30 am where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will follow the Mass at St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands. Relatives and friends are invited and may visit Thursday, May 21, 2015 4:00 to 7:00 pm in the funeral home. Those wishing to remember Mr. Sleasman in a special way may send a contribution to Teresian House, 200 Washington Ave., Ext., Albany, NY 12203. To leave a message for the family, obtain directions, light a candle or view other helpful services please visit www.McveighFuneralHome.com

Tributes

John J. Sleasman

October 20, 1918 - May 19, 2015