Veterans Advocate

CPT. John R. Warne, USA, Ret. 70, of the Town of Lewiston, NY, passed away on Wednesday February 24, 2010 in Springville, NY after a lengthy illness. Born October 25, 1939 in Pottsville, Pa, he was the son of the late Joseph and Ida (Vandermark) Warne.

John was raised and educated in Pennsylvania, and received an Associate Degree in Hotel Management from Paul Smiths College. On April 19, 1963, he enlisted in the United States Army, and began a career in the United States Army and Army Reserve, that span over thirty years. He served two tours in the Vietnam War, first from April 1967 through April 1968 with the 25th Infantry as a platoon leader, and his second tour from May 1969 through May 1970 with the First Brigade, 5th Infantry as a company commander. John later served in Persian Gulf War from November 1990 through April 1991. He achieved the rank of Captain, and was highly decorated for his actions and heroism in combat. John was awarded a Purple Heart, the Army Service Ribbon, Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Star, Army Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, several Bronze Star Medals, Combat Infantry Badge, Conspicuous Service Medal and Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal.

John moved to the Niagara Falls area in the early 1970's where he had worked as bartender for several local establishments and also managed the Speakeasy. He then moved to Mystic, CT and managed the gift shop at Mystic Aquarium, and later operated his own gift shop in Mystic. John moved back to Niagara Falls and began a career with the U.S. Postal Service and retired after twenty years of service.

John's dedication to serve his Country continued in the Army Reserves as a Mess Hall Sergeant at the 365th Evacuation Hospital in Niagara Falls. He was instrumental in establishing the John P. Bobo Memorial Chapter 681 Vietnam Veterans of America, where he held the office of president as well as other positions. John was also a lifetime member of several other veteran organizations. He volunteered extensively at the Veterans Hospital in Batavia, NY, each month supplying a cooked turkey to patients and assisting with the annual Christmas party. He worked tirelessly assisting Veterans with benefit claims and helped create the Jack Wisby Jr. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Treatment Center in Batavia, NY.

John spent the last two years of his life doing what he loved most, spending time on his farm in Springville, NY with his five horses, two dogs and eight cats. But most of all, he took great pleasure in being with his soul mate and beloved wife Patricia. John dazzled us with his humor, compassion and wisdom and will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

John is survived by his loving wife, whom he married on September 10, 1992 in Las Vegas, Patricia E. (Jozwik) Warne, one brother Joseph Warne of Pennsylvania and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. He was the son-in-law of Walter (late Marion) Jozwik of Batavia, NY, brother-in-law of, Barbara (Mark) Kozlowski of Town of Niagara, NY and Cynthia (Curtis) Jozwik-Burge of Niagara Falls, NY.

Friends may call on Saturday March 6th from 2-5 p.m. at the M.J. COLUCCI AND SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL 2730 MILITARY ROAD NIAGARA FALLS, NY where a service will be held at 4:00 p.m. with Robert Fink officiating. Military Honors will follow. Interment will be held in Arlington National Cemetery at the convenience of the family. Flowers are graciously declined.