John V. Fatta

John Vincent Fatta, 84, affectionately known as "Boppa" by his grandchildren, passed away peacefully on September 17, 2026, with his loving family by his side.

Following several months of health challenges, John spent the final days of his life ensuring that his daughter, Tammy, and each of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren knew how much he loved them. John's family was his whole world, and he was known for talking endlessly about how proud he was of them.

Born on January 20, 1942, in Troy, NY, John was the son of John Joseph Fatta and Anna Mary Mamone. John was a graduate of LaSalle Institute and attended Siena College, where he focused his studies in psychology. He devotedly served the New York State Department of Education for 40 years, where he specialized in vocational rehabilitation counseling. He had a heart for meeting people where they were and offering judgment-free support to guide their personal and professional growth.

On June 30, 1979, John married the love of his life, Sharon Lee Slocum. Together, they shared a deep love for literature, foreign languages, and traveling, especially to Europe (namely Italy, France, and Germany). They often sang songs in the car like, "You Say Tomato, I Say Tomato," and they shared a strong appreciation for classical music. Their favorite musical piece was Beethoven's Symphony No. 9. John and Sharon built a home together in Athens, NY, that John continued to live in and cherish for the rest of his life.

In addition to his passion for the arts, culture, and history, John was a sports car enthusiast with phenomenal carpentry skills. Beyond his many talents, he was especially known for his tremendous intellect and his superhuman ability to retain detailed information vividly. Describing John as a "walking encyclopedia" would be an understatement; his family often joked that he rivaled Google with all the factual information and details he could readily recall.

John's pride and joy in life was his family, and he was the most involved and hands-on grandfather imaginable. He was known for attending every event in his grandchildren's lives - no matter how big or small, or how far he had to travel to get there. He not only showed up for the milestones but also the everyday moments: the lunches, the dinners, the family game nights, and the uneventful evenings together. Quality time was his love language, and he ensured that his family received plenty of it.

After John's wife, Sharon, passed away in 2000 when his grandchildren were very young (and some yet to be born), he made sure to keep her legacy and spirit alive in his regular interactions with them. He often shared intricate stories and detailed memories about their late grandmother and the adventures he had with her.

John's loss is felt by all who knew and loved him. John is survived by his daughter, Tamara (Mike) Merwin of East Berne, NY; his granddaughter, Kelly (Teal) Flanagin of Holly Springs, NC; his granddaughter, Heather Thomas, and grandson-in-law, Bart Schreuder, of Europe; his grandson, John VanGarderen, and his granddaughter, Catherine VanGarderen, of Altamont, NY; and his great-grandchildren, Bolton, Sloane, and Kaia, whom he loved and adored more than anything in the world. John is also survived by various close friends and cousins who will remember him fondly.

John was predeceased by his beloved wife, Sharon; his parents, John and Anna; his son, David; his great-grandson, Gio; and multiple other relatives.

Services are private at the convenience of the family.