John Banach, Sr.

John Banach Sr, 97, passed away on Sunday, February 6, 2022. 

John was born at home on January 10, 1925 in Wayne, NY. The son of Alexander and Antonina Banach, he was the second youngest of seven brothers. John grew up on the family farm in Wayne.  A veteran of World War II, John joined the United States Army at age 18 and quickly saw combat in the Battle of the Bulge, for which he was awarded the Bronze Star. 

In July of 1950, he married the former Norma Allison. Together, they had two children, Bonnie and John Jr. (Skip).

After returning home from the War, he attended barber school in Buffalo, NY. John settled in Penn Yan, NY, where he owned and operated the Elm Street Barber Shop until his retirement in the late 1980s. John was an active community member, having served as a trustee on the Village Board for many years, and as a member of the Penn Yan Volunteer Fire Department, including a term as fire chief. John was also a member of the American Legion, VFW, Moose Club, Elks Club.

John was a faithful communicant of St. Michael Catholic Church in Penn Yan.

John is survived by his daughter Bonnie (Pat) Halferty, son John (Sandy) Banach Jr, grandchildren Stephen (Ashley) Halferty, Shannon (Patrick) Donovan, Timothy Banach, Joseph (Andrea) Banach. He loved, and took great pride in his five great-grandchildren: Jay, Addison, Emma, Ava, and Greyson.  John will also be missed by his friend Elsie Tousley.

John was predeceased by his beloved wife Norma in 2009, his parents, granddaughter Rebecca Banach, and his brothers Michael, Charles, Leon, Walter, Ted, Alexander (Sam).

Friends may call from 10:00 to 11:00 AM on Friday, February 11, 2022, at St. Michael Church 312 Liberty St. Penn Yan, NY, followed by A Mass of Christian Burial celebrated by The Rev. William Michatek at 11: 00 AM.

Due to Covid-19 concerns, the family requests that those in attendance please wear a mask.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in memory of John may be sent to St. Michael’s Church, 210 Keuka St, Penn Yan, NY 14527 or Penn Yan Vol. Fire Dept., PO Box 426, Penn Yan, NY 14527.

Interment will take place in St. Michael Cemetery in the spring at the convenience of the family.

Arrangement are with Weldon Funeral Home, Penn Yan, NY.