It is with great respect that we remember the life of John L. Sirianno, who died unexpectedly at his home in Point Chautauqua, on Oct. 23, 2014.
John was born in Falconer, N.Y., on July 22, 1933, to James Vincent Sirianno and Grace Teresa (Canaley) Sirianno. He graduated from Falconer High School in 1952, entered the U.S. Navy and served during the Korean War as a First Class Petty Officer aboard the USS Missouri, the USS Kenneth Whiting and the USS Oriskany. After being disabled, he received several medals and was honorably discharged.
John received a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from SUNY Fredonia. In 1958, he began a career that would span 33 years with the Chautauqua County Sheriff's Department. His detective work as a patrol deputy earned him a promotion to investigator, then to sergeant investigator and ultimately to Chautauqua County undersheriff. He was known for his honesty, integrity and factual reasoning. He was an expert in the field of criminal science and was regarded as the leading fingerprint detective in Western New York.
His education included studies with the U.S. Department of Justice, The Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New York State Organized Crime Task Force. He received certifications from the FBI National Academy, the FBI Law Enforcement Photographic School and the Sirchie Fingerprint Laboratories.
In 1975, John combined his love for precise detective work and antiques by starting The Doing Time Clock Company, a restoration and repair business for antique clocks and watches. He is most notably remembered for the restoration of the original 1911 clock movement in Chautauqua Institution's Miller Bell Tower. You can see his work in Chautauqua Institution's Oliver Archives Center.
John served as a founding member of the Mayville VFW and as a member of The National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors. He also served as president of several organizations, including St. Mary's Parish Council and the Point Chautauqua Association.
He is survived by his wife, Winifred J. (McCollough) Sirianno. His sons, Edward with Kelly, John with wife Marlene, Thomas with wife Karen, and Michael with wife Melissa, will miss him dearly. His nine grandchildren, Kyle, Nicholas, Lauren, Thomas, Matthew, Mitchell, Marcus, Madison and Charles, will remember him for his love of Chautauqua Lake and teaching them to row in his blue row boat, affectionately named Grandbears Boat. He is further survived by his brother Peter and several nieces and nephews.
Calling hours will be at the Freay Funeral Home (139 S. Erie St., Mayville, NY 14757) on Friday, Oct. 31, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. A Mass will be held in his honor on Saturday, Nov. 1, at 11 a.m. at Saint Mary's of Lourdes Church in Mayville.
In memory of John, donations can be made to: The Resource Center, Step Up for Autism Program, 200 Dunham Ave., Jamestown, NY 14701.
By the Observer
