Obituary of John A. Larkin

Mr. John A. Larkin, 77, of Northern Terrace, Fort Plain, NY died peacefully on April 27, 2011 following a brief illness. Born in Rome, NY on January 2, 1934 he was the son of the late Harold G. Larkin and Nathalie Sprague Larkin. He attended schools in Rome and was a 1952 graduate of Rome Free Academy. John was a hard working individual who began his career early in life. By the age of 19 he was the manager of Triangle Shoe Store in Rome. He also worked for Beechnut as a supervisor in the warehouse for a time. Lastly, he was employed at the Amsterdam Recorder, where he enjoyed a career in advertising. His loving family includes, his wife, the former Marlene Sours whom he married on July 3, 1976; and together they raised a beautiful blended family that includes, six daughters, Kathleen Peter Armstrong of Summerville, SC, Debra Joseph Moccaldi of Clinton, NY, Lisa Doug Robinson of Ithaca, NY, Lori Howe of Fort Plain, NY, Melody Michael Smith of Dolgeville, NY, Cheryl Terry Crooker of Johnstown, NY; four sons, Jeffery Christine Howe of Ilion, NY, Dennis Mary Howe of Pine, AZ, Steven Nancy Howe of Taylorsville, KY and Brian Howe of Sanford, ME. Additional survivors are four sisters, Frances Baker, Janeth Ryon, JoAnn Larkin and Patricia Martin; two brothers, Robert and Paul Larkin; eight grandchildren, Erin Armstrong, Sean Armstrong, Lauren Miner, Melissa Howe, Jonathon Howe, Joshua Smith, Chelsea Howe and Ryan Crooker; one great granddaughter, Allison Howe; and several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. John was predeceased by two brothers George Larkin and James Larkin. Funeral services will be conducted on Saturday, April 30, 2011 at 12 o'clock at the Fort Plain Reformed Church, 165 Canal Street, Fort Plain, NY with the Rev. Nancy Ryan presiding. Interment will follow in the Fort Plain Cemetery. Calling hours will be held prior to the service beginning at 10 o'clock at the church. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Fort Plain Reformed Church. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Lenz & Betz Funeral Home, 69 Otsego Street, Canajoharie, NY 13317.