John C. Cartin, 87, Massena

Mr. John C. Cartin, of 446 Leslie Road, passed away suddenly on Monday afternoon, October 18, 2010 at Valhaven Assisted Living in Massena. With grace and dignity, John had suffered with Alzheimer’s for the past 25 years.

John was born in Watertown on May 12, 1923, the son of the late Frank and Harriet Delaney Cartin. He graduated from Watertown High School in 1941. John met Gloria G. Neal while working at the Eisenhower Locks. On October 23, 1980, they married at the Emmanuel Congregational United Church of Christ with Rev. Douglas Fowler, officiating. The marriage was blessed by Msgr. Floyd Brown at the Church of the Sacred Heart in December 1980.

Mr. Cartin was a member of the Watertown Naval Reserve when it was called to active duty in 1941. He served in the US Navy in the European, African, Middle East, and Pacific Theatres during World War II, on various ships of the fleet. He also served in Korea for three years during the Korean War. John was honorably discharged from the Navy after 15 years of service. He then went to work at the St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation, retiring as an Operations Superintendent in 1980. He was an avid golfer and was a member of the American Legion Post #79 and the Disabled American Veterans Post #171 in Massena.

He is survived by his loving wife, Gloria; three sons, Joshua M. Cartin of Massena, Steven Cartin of Fort Wayne, IN and Neal Cartin of Massena; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by three brothers, Stanley, Daniel, and Clarence Cartin; and four sisters, Marjorie Conners, Dorothy Boughton, Claire Cartin, and Mary Thoenan.

As per John’s wishes, the will be no calling hours or funeral services. Arrangements are with the Donaldson Funeral Home, Massena.

Those wishing, may consider the Alzheimer’s Association or Sacred Heart Church Endowment Fund in John’s memory.

Condolences may be made online at www.donaldsonfh.com.