In Memory of John Francis Pryor

Obituary

John Francis Pryor, 97, of New Hartford, departed this world serenely on June 18, 2024, at the Masonic Care Community.

Born on July 10, 1926, in the heart of New York City, he was the cherished son of the late John and Frances Flannagan Pryor. In World War II, he served valiantly as a Radioman Third Class with the US Navy.

In 1946, John married his beloved Clara Hudo in New York City. Together, their journey was marked by boundless love, shared adventures and cherished memories. In retirement, they found solace and joy in a summer home in Maine, where they warmly welcomed their extended family, creating treasured memories. They found delight in antiquing and gardening, as well as spending time with their grandchildren and great grandchildren. Their union graced the years until Clara’s passing in 2005.

As an Engineer for the Bendix corporation, John worked until retiring in 1983. His craft extended into his personal life: As a skilled woodworker and artist, his hands crafted wonders—from homes to intricate furniture to timeless clocks—gifts that became heirlooms of memory for his family. He was an avid outdoorsman, skilled in hunting and fishing, the joys of which he imparted to his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

John lived a life of devotion and faith: He was a steadfast congregant of St. John the Evangelist Church, a lifelong member of the William E. Burke Council #189 Knights of Columbus, a dedicated ally of the D.A.V., and a proud Legionnaire of the New Hartford American Legion Post #1376.

John is survived by his daughters and sons-in-laws, Christine and Jack Race, Kathleen Knight, Eileen and Scott Tibbitts; his grandchildren Juliete and David Dingler, Adrienne and Rick Dodson, Catherine and Chris Kelly, Mark and Jaclyn Knight, Jonathan Tibbitts, and Justin and Rebecca Tibbitts; his great-grandchildren Eliza and Johnny Dingler, Clara and Molly Dodson, Collin, Jack and Thomas Kelly, Livy and Lyra Knight, Alex, Ava, Adeline, Adler Tibbitts and Max and Mason Tibbitts; his sister-in-law Eleanor Hudo, Carol and John Fitcher and Joyce Bryne and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Clara, Brother and Sister-in-law Gerald and Joan Pryor, Brothers-in-law Steven Bryne, Alice and Gary Larson and his son-in-law Richard Knight.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff of the Placid Unit at the Masonic Care Community for their unwavering care and love for John

Calling hours will be on Monday from 10 – 11:00 AM at Friedel, Williams & Edmunds Funeral and Cremation Services, 13 Oxford Rd., New Hartford, followed by a Funeral Mass at 12:00 Noon at St. John the Evangelist Church. The Knights of Columbus will meet at 11:00 AM at the funeral home to conduct their service. John will find his final resting place in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Clayville.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Masonic Care Community in memory of John.

Online messages of sympathy may be left at: www.fwefh.com