John Anthony Slattery

John Anthony Slattery of Rochester, Indiana passed away at 5:45 p.m. on Friday, August 27, 2021 at Courtyard Healthcare Center in Goshen, Indiana at the age of 72.

He was born on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 1949 in Brooklyn, New York.  He was one of three children born to Virginia Patricia (Buckley) Slattery and John Francis Slattery.  John was married to Diane Hurban in May of 1973 and shared 13 years of marriage together before she passed away January of 1987.  He met Kathleen “Kathy” O’Connell and was blessed to be married again on May 6, 1989 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Warsaw, Indiana.  They spent the last 32 years sharing their lives, traveling and enjoying their family before he passed away.

John grew up in New York and graduated from St. Francis Preparatory School in New York, New York.  After high school at the young age of 18, John enlisted on September 22, 1967 and proudly served in the U.S. Army.  He served alongside his fellow soldiers for two tours in Vietnam and was honorably discharged as a Sergeant on April 29, 1970. 

Upon returning, he continued his studies and received his B.A. from Pace University in New York, NY and he earned his Master’s degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University in New Jersey.  John was also a Certified Public Accountant and received one of the highest scores in New York when he took his CPA exam.  He was always a very intelligent and detail-oriented man and found his niche in the oil and gas field.  He retired as the Chief Financial Officer of the Vertical Group in New Jersey.  Prior to that he held the position of CFO of Orica in Denver, Colorado, as well as at Triumph Oil & Gas in Dallas, Texas.  He worked at Peat Marwick & Mitchell in New York City for many years as well. 

One of his favorite past times was hiking, especially the mountains of Colorado which included nine 14,000 foot mountains!  He simply enjoyed nature’s beauty whenever he was able and he supported his love by being a member of the The New Jersey Audubon.  John was always fascinated with birding, he was an excellent cook and loved to entertain.  He collected cookbooks, always looking for new and different recipes.   Most of all he truly enjoyed being with those he loved and spending time with his family.  Over the years he created so many memories with his favorite traveling companion, his wife, Kathy.  He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and brother who will be dearly missed and forever loved. 

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife:  Kathy Slattery (Rochester, Indiana); daughter:  Jennifer L. Slattery (Long Beach, New York); and his granddaughter:  Riley M. Slattery (Long Beach, New York).  He leaves behind two sisters:  Eileen Santangelo (Central Islip, New York); Debra (Jack) Farrell (Rockaway Park, New York); many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and one great-great-niece.  Also surviving is his mother-in-law:  Lila C. O’Connell (Pierceton, Indiana); and his brothers and sisters-in-law:  Thomas L. (Cynthia) O’Connell III (Long Beach, Indiana); Patrick S. (Jonell) O’Connell (Warsaw, Indiana); Carolyn J. (Jon) Bumbaugh (Boyertown, Pennsylvania); Laura L. Grow (Warsaw, Indiana); James K. O’Connell (Pierceton, Indiana); Tammy L. (Randy) Barber (North Manchester, Indiana); and Teresa L. O’Connell (Clearwater, Florida).  He was preceded in death by his parents, first wife, Diane, and his infant daughter, Stephanie.               

John’s life will be celebrated with a Mass of Christian Burial that will be conducted on Friday, September 3, 2021 at 4:00 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 125 N. Harrison Street, Warsaw, Indiana celebrated by Father Jonathan Norton.    John will be laid to rest with his family at Cemetery of the Holy Rood in Westbury, New York.  

Friends and family are invited to visit prior to the service from 12:00 – 3:00 p.m. on Friday, September 3, 2021 at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Road, Warsaw, Indiana.  Military rites will be conducted at the end of visitation at 3:00 p.m. by the American Legion Post #49, V.F.W. #1126 both of Warsaw, and active-duty members of the Army Honor Guard. 

Memorial donations may be directed to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306; Folds of Honor, Department #13, Tulsa, OK 74182; or to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 125 N. Harrison Street, Warsaw, Indiana  46580.

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