MECHANICVILLE – John H. Ciulla, Sr., 86, of West St., Riverside, died Monday morning, Dec. 2^nd, at Ellis Hospital, after a brief illness.

A native and lifelong resident of Mechanicville, born Oct. 31, 1927, son of the late Anthony and Gaetanina Ciulla, John who was affectionately known to family and friends as “Blackie”, left high school, Class of 1946, and enlisted in the US Army Air Corps during WWII, and was honorably discharged in 1946.

A production foreman with the General Electric’s Silicone Prod. Division in Waterford, for many years, retiring in 1987.  Previously he worked at the former WESVACO in Mechanicville.

A charter member of the Riverside Fire Dept., and longtime member of the Henry F. Lefko American Legion Post of Riverside, John was an active member of the Mechanicville Golf Course, where he was the originator of the club’s youth program, and was longtime member of the Frog Island golf league and the president and secretary of the Old Timers league for years.  John welcomed any child who wanted to learn the game of golf, with open arms and a lot of patience.

He also bowled in the Frog Island bowling league for years.

A loving husband, proud father, and caring grand and great grandfather, John instilled getting an education to his family, encouraging and sacrificing when needed, to see all his children fulfill their lives, thru education and/or service to their community.

A handyman at heart, John was always willing to assist his family and friends with any home improvement project.

Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Sylvia D’Avignon Ciulla, sons: recently retired Saratoga County Public Defender John and wife Linda Ciulla, Jr, Robert and Janet Ciulla both of Mechanicville and Dr. Richard (Kathy Wisoff) Ciulla, MD of Halfmoon, daughters: Joann and Gary Noxon of Malta and Cathy (Mike Miller) Dunn of Mechanicville, grandchildren: Lisa Capasso, Jennifer Van Ort, Michael, David, Stephen, Alex, Matthew, Emily and Stephanie Ciulla, Samantha Noxon, Heath and Seth Dunn, along with great grandchildren Allison Capasso, Kyle and Shawn Ciulla.  Also his two sisters Patricia Tanski Wiltsey and Agnes Woodin both of Halfmoon, along with many nieces, nephews and their families.

John  was predeceased by his brothers Sam and James Cuilla, Sr. and brother-in-law Charles D’Avignon.

A Funeral Mass will be held 10 AM Thursday at St. Luke’s on the Hill Church, 40 McBride Rd, Mechanicville.  Burial with military honors at the Saratoga National Cemetery.

Calling hours at St. Lukes on the Hill Church on Wednesday from 4 PM till 8 PM.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to either St. Luke’s Church or Arvin Hart Fire Dept with Riverside Scholarship Fund written in the memo section.

To leave condolences and for directions, visit www.devito-salvadorefh.com .

Arrangements by the DeVito-Salvadore Funeral Home, Mechanicville.