John M. Sninchak, Sr., age 80, of 933 Highland Ave., Herkimer, beloved husband of Rita (Bass) Sninchak, passed away, peacefully, on Monday, June 7, 2004 in his home. He was born on June 17, 1923 in Yonkers, NY, a son of the late Michael and Katherine (Posta) Sninchak and graduated in June of 1941 from Lowville Academy and then took the Ford Apprentice Course. While working for the Air Brake Company in Watertown at the age of 19, he was drafted by the U.S. Army Air Corp to defend his country during World War II. He received an honorable discharge on September 10, 1945. John was wounded on June 21, 1944 on his 19th mission over Berlin, Germany. He was a flight engineer and top turret gunner, operating on a B17. He was the recipient of the Air Medal with 3 oak clusters, European, African, and Middle Eastern Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, New York State Medal, and was the recipient of a Purple Heart. On August 13, 1946 he was united in marriage with the former Rita A. Bass in Blessed Sacrament Church in Mohawk. John was last employed for 32 years with General Electric, French Road, Utica where he held the positions of foreman and group leader. Mr. Sninchak was a communicant of St. Francis de Sales Church, Herkimer. He was a member of the Middleville Memorial Post #7220 V.F.W, the Mohawk American Legion Post #25 along with the General Electric Quarter Century Club, the 351st Bomb Group (510th Squadron Triangle) and the USS Hobson Memorial Society. He was an assistant Boy Scout Leader at St. Francis de Sales Church. Survivors besides his wife Rita of Herkimer include three daughters, Faye Rita Sninchak of Nassau, NY, Nora Joan (Thomas) Zink of Sand Lake, NY, Lois Anna Sninchak of Herkimer, a son, John Michael Sninchak, Jr. of Herkimer, three grandsons, Jeremiah John Sninchak, Thomas John Zink and Joseph Michael Zink, two nephews, Larry (Jean) Sekel, Ronald Sekel, two grand nieces, Erin and Lynn Sekel, two godsons, Michael James Bass and William Henry Bass, two cousins, Steve Posta and Ann (Joseph) Yarina. He was predeceased by a sister and brother in law, Steve and Mary Sekel. There will be no public visitation. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend his Mass of Christian Burial which will be held on Thursday, June 10, 2004 at 10 am from St. Francis de Sales Church, N. Bellinger St., Herkimer, with the Rev. Mark Cunningham, pastor, officiating. Procession will follow to St. Mary's Cemetery, town of Herkimer, where committal prayers will be offered by Father Cunningham. Full military honors will be accorded. The Holleran-Enea Funeral Home of Herkimer is serving the family.