John C. Korth, 80, of Ulster Park

ULSTER PARK » John C. Korth, 80, of Lindorf Street, Ulster Park, Town of Esopus, passed away at home while in the comforting presence of his family on Wednesday, April 18, 2018.

He was born in Kingston, N.Y., on Jan. 31, 1938, a son of the late Gunnar Leonard and Elizabeth (Morgan) Korth.

He graduated from Kingston High School in 1955 and joined the U.S. Air Force that same year. While in the service, he met and married his wife of 59 years, Madeline (Tate) Korth. They settled in Kingston and together they raised four daughters, Khristine Korth (Jim) Kabo of Port Ewen, Rochelle Stelmach of Saugerties, Elizabeth “Liz” Leverenz of Saugerties, and Jennifer (Chuck) Bodie of Edmeston, N.Y.

In 1960, John began a long career with United Parcel Service, in package delivery, and, before retirement, as a tractor-trailer driver. Proudly he was the first to earn recognition for 36 years of safe driving in Upstate New York as a tractortrailer driver for UPS. He retired in 1996.

John enjoyed going to the casinos and hosting a good game of poker at his home with friends. He played in poker tournaments from Vegas to Mohegan Sun. He was known to hand out casino chips as a good luck piece to waitresses and waiters at various restaurants he would visit.

He always enjoyed seeing his grandchildren, who he would always amaze when they asked him to perform his magic cards and dice tricks.

In addition to his wife and four daughters, he is also survived by seven grandchildren, Khristine (Bob) Sykes, Meghan Martin, Dennis Bodie, Madison Stelmach, Michael Leverenz, Jessie Bodie, and Lydia Stelmach; two greatgrandchildren, Madeline Sykes and Robert Joseph Sykes IV; and a sister, Joan (Roy) Alsdorf. Many nieces and nephews also survive.

He was predeceased by his brothers, Leonard and Richard Korth.

The family has entrusted the Gilpatric-Van-Vliet Funeral Home, 339 Broadway, Ulster Park, Town of Esopus, with the care and cremation service arrangements for John. Cremation was held at Wiltwyck Crematory, Kingston.

John’s family will receive friends during memorial visitation at the funeral home on Thursday, April 26, 2018, from 4 to 6:45 p.m. The memorial service will begin at 6:45 p.m.

Inurnment at Montrepose Cemetery will be private at a later date.

In lieu of fresh flowers, the family suggests indoor plants for loved ones to take home and nurture in memory of John.

Send the family an expression of condolence by visiting John’s Book of Memories: www.GVVFH.com.