Obituary of John M. Boschi

John Michael Boschi, 61, of Amsterdam entered into eternal life on Sunday morning March 28, 2021 after a brief illness. He was born in Gloversville on June 18, 1959 to Alexander and Phoebe Gisondi Boschi.

John was predeceased by his loving mother, Phoebe Gisondi Boschi, grandparents, Livingston (Dick) and Elvira (Irene) Gisondi and Eugene and Marina Boschi. He is survived by his father, Alexander E. Boschi; his sister Sharon Hammer (Dave) of Indianapolis; nephew Christopher Hammer of Indianapolis, niece Ashlee Miller (Joshua) of Indianapolis and great nephew Micah Hammer of Indianapolis. John is also survived by several aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

John attended Amsterdam High School and received a Bachelor of Arts degree from SUNY Geneseo with a major in Speech Communications and a minor in Public Relations. He continued his education with graduate courses in education through SUNY Oneonta and The College of St. Rose and also completed his certification in broadcasting at New School of Contemporary Radio.

While at Geneseo, John was a staff member of the college newspaper and a DJ/news reporter for the college radio station. John began working at WKOL in Amsterdam as a news reporter/announcer during the summer while still in college and after graduating continued at the station as a Contemporary Gospel Music Host. He then advanced his broadcasting experience while doing a news and public relations internship at WGY/WRGB. Realizing his love for children and education was growing as he continued his graduate education courses, John turned his attention to working as a TV Tech/Media Aide, a substitute special education early childhood instructor, and a Teacher Assistant at the Amsterdam YMCA and Amsterdam Day Care Center. Teaching ultimately became John’s passion, and he spent many years as a substitute teacher in the Amsterdam, Fonda and Perth elementary schools.

John’s unending desire to help others and serve his community was also very evident in the numerous volunteer positions he held throughout his adult life. He willingly volunteered his time as a religious education instructor, Hispanic Outreach tutor, and a Big Brother.  John spent countless hours serving the Amsterdam Free Library as president of the “Friends of the Library” and coordinator of the children’s program and book sales. Most recently he could be found assisting with Amsterdam Area Community Concerts, Festival of Trees, and “Music in our Schools Month” in Albany.

John was a lifelong communicant of Historic St Mary’s Roman Catholic Church where he was an usher and thoroughly enjoyed singing in the choir.

John touched many lives but none more than his college friends. His college roommate lovingly described him as “a humble, fiercely loyal, never-in-doubt kind of friend who could be your front man, wing man, and have your back all at the same time”.  John made a difference in many lives, and he made this world a better place.

The family of John Boschi would like to thank Father Jeffrey L’Arche and the staffs at St Mary’s Hospital and Albany Medical Center for their loving care and compassion.

Family and friends are invited and may call on Monday April 5, 2021 from 9:30am-11:00 am at Historic St Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, Amsterdam. A Mass of Christian Burial will immediately follow with Father Jeffrey M. L' Arche M.S. as celebrant.  Interment will follow the Mass in Our Lady of Mt Carmel Cemetery, Truax Road, Amsterdam.

CDC guidelines and Covid protocols will be followed, and masks will be required for those in attendance.  For those who wish to participate online please use the following zoom link to watch live or at your convenience.  https://zoom.us/j/93387401420?pwd=S2MvVjBqVEVWOFZxbk5WRlVTU1BBUT09

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Historic St Mary’s Roman Catholic Church or the Alzheimer's Association, Home Office, 225 N. Michigan Ave., FL. 17, Chicago, IL 60601. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Betz, Rossi and Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Ave, Amsterdam, NY 12010.