John H. Thela

John H. Thela, 94 of Route 23 in Craryville, NY passes away on Saturday March 19, 2022 at Columbia Memorial Hospital in Hudson, NY.

He was born on October 11, 1927 in Yonkers, NY to Charles and Carrie (Rudolph) Thela.

John was a steel fabricator for over 50 years starting his career at Anthony Zito’s Scrapyard in Yonkers. He had also worked at the Alexander Smith Carpet Factory while residing in Yonkers.

On July 17, 1949 in Craryville he married Dorothy (Stupplebeen) Thela. She pre deceased John in 2006.

After his marriage to Dorothy they moved to Craryville in 1951 and he became employed by the Gifford Wood Company in their steel fabrication department until the plant closed in 1970.  He then became employed at Greenport Steel in Hudson then known as Professional Metals in Hudson for 16 years until his retirement. After his retirement he continued to work part time at Ed Herrington, Inc. in Hillsdale for 14 years.

John was a life member of the Craryville Fire Co. and a member of the Columbia County Fire Police Assoc. He was a 60 year member and the longtime caretaker of the Craryville United Methodist Church.

He is survived by his three children, John E. Thela of Odessa, FL, Michele (Michael) Kimok of Latham, NY and Eric J. Thela of Craryville NY. He also leaves a grandson and 4 great grandchildren.

Besides his wife Dorothy he was also pre deceased by 11 siblings.

Private services will be held on Saturday March 26, 2022 at the Peck and Peck Funeral Home in Copake NY.

Interment will be in the Niver Cemetery, Craryville NY.

Memorial contributions mat be offered to the Community Rescue Squad, PO Box 327, Copake NY 12516.

To send an online condolence please visit www.peckandpeck.net