SARATOGA SPRINGS — John J. Totten passed away Wednesday, June 17, 2015 at Ellis Hospital in Schenectady. He was 82.
Born on March 27, 1933 in Saratoga Springs, the son of the late Thomas F. and Margaret (Murphy) Totten, he was a lifelong resident and a 1951 graduate of the former St. Peter’s Academy on Broadway. He retired from The Saratogian newspaper following 67 years of service, having started there as a paperboy at the age of 11. John was drafted into the US Army in 1953 and served with the 364th Infantry at Fort Dix, NJ, eventually transferring to the Second Armored Calvary in Bindlach, Germany. He operated tanks, was a border guard during the Cold War and was also featured on the cover and in a chapter of Paul Post’s book “Soldiers of Saratoga County.”
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by two sisters, Marie (Ken) Savard and Patricia Totten and a step-son, Jeffrey Cherry.
Survivors include his wife, Katherine (Tyger) Totten, one sister, Sister Margaret Totten, CSJ of Latham and one brother, Thomas F. (Elberta) Totten of Ballston Lake, two step-sons, Gregory Cherry and Wayne (Kathy) Cherry, all of Saratoga Springs, two nieces, Christine Richards (Mitchell) of Corinth and Karen Alonzo (Wayne) of Hamlin, NY and one nephew, Kevin Savard.
Relatives and friends gathered to remember him on Monday, June 22, 2015 at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing and Cunniff Funeral Homes of Saratoga Springs.
Funeral services followed in the funeral home and burial was private.
Many “thank-yous” go to the tremendous support of family and friends during the past several weeks.
Memorials may be made in his name to the Saratoga Springs History Museum, P.O. Box 216, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.
