Hon. John Paul Teixeira, Jr., age 90, passed away at his home peacefully, surrounded by the love of his family. Born on September 21, 1935, in Luzerne, PA, he was the son of the late Josephine (Beningo) Teixeira and John Paul Teixeira, Sr., who emigrated from the Portuguese island of Madeira in 1916. John was incredibly proud of his Portuguese heritage.

John was raised in Swoyerville, PA, and helped his Uncle Tom and brother Joe pour concrete during summers in Niagara Falls. He graduated from Swoyerville High School in 1953 and began employment with Kimberly-Clark Corporation in Niagara Falls the same year. After several years in the material handling department, he transferred to the Pulp and Paper Testing Lab. He also served as Vice President of the clerical union and as an officer of the Kimberly-Clark Credit Union. John also enlisted in the New York National Guard in 1953 and served honorably until receiving his discharge in 1956.

Professionally, following corporate changes at Kimberly-Clark, John transitioned to the Harrison Radiator Division of General Motors, starting at the bottom in the “crows nest.” He pursued higher education through the evening division of Niagara County Community College, grew into a lead chemical test engineer in the flux department, and advanced to supervisor of the pre- and post-water treatment systems as he built a respected technical career.

On September 15, 1956, he married the love of his life, Jacqueline “Jackie” Tecchio of Niagara Falls. Together and into their 70th year of marriage, they built a life centered on faith, family, and community. They first resided in Niagara Falls before moving to the Town of Niagara in February 1961, where they raised their six children.

John, with Jackie, was one of the longest living members of the St Leo’s Roman Catholic Church in the Town of Niagara. He served as a Eucharistic Minister and member of the Knights of Columbus for several years and received the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick from Rev. Ben Mariasoosai, St Vincent de Paul, St Leo’s Site.

In November 1969, John was sworn in as a constable and patrolman with the Town of Niagara Police Department. During the Blizzard of 1977 he was inspired to run for and was elected Town Justice for the Town of Niagara, beginning a remarkable 40-year career on the bench. Re-elected to ten consecutive four-year terms, he served the residents of the Town of Niagara with firmness, fairness, dedication, and integrity.

John was deeply involved in the legal and civic community throughout his judicial career. In 1979, he became a charter member of the Niagara County Magistrates Association and served as its president beginning in 1981. He later became active in the New York State Magistrates Association, serving three years as a Director and four years as State Treasurer on the Executive Committee. His commitment to continuing education led him to annual training through the New York State Office of Court Administration.

Outside of his professional and judicial responsibilities, John remained devoted to public service and community involvement. In his younger years he was a Life Member of the LaSalle Sportsmen’s Club Competition pistol team and the Town of Niagara Snow Rangers (an unruly bunch). He was a 30+ year active member of the Town of Niagara Lions Club. Of the many projects he led, he was most proud of the purchase and installation of the digital scoreboard at Veterans Park in the Town of Niagara, and the restoration of Civil War soldier George Martin’s gravestone at the Witmer Cemetery. Later he served as Chairman of the Niagara County Board of Ethics Board, to help enforce the county’s Code of Ethics. John frequently spoke for, and was awarded as the 1999 Judge of the Year by, the Niagara County MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) Community Action Team to promote responsible decision-making and public safety.

John was a Life Member of the NRA, and his love for the outdoors included gardening, fishing, and a 40+ year hunting legacy in the Southern Tier of New York.

Above all else, John treasured his family. He is survived by his beloved wife of 70 years, Jacqueline “Jackie” Teixeira; their six children: Deborah A. Teixeira London (Kelly) of Fairfax, CA; Kathleen T. Edwards (Sean) of Sanborn, NY; Teresa J. Teixeira-Carter of the Town of Niagara, NY; Michael E. Teixeira (Dawn) of Skaneateles, NY; John P. Teixeira III, M.D. of Skaneateles, NY; Thomas S. Teixeira (Sharon) of Milton, VT; and Kathi F. Teixeira, M.D.

He was proud of his twelve grandchildren: Alexander “Zander” C. London, Gavin S. London, Steven J. Carter (Heather), Adrienne E. (Carter) Dolpp (Jason), Christine M. Carter (Lyle), Thomas R. Carter, Michael A. Teixeira, Mary J. Teixeira, John P. Teixeira IV, M.D., Rachel T. Ferguson (Seth), Anthony J. “AJ” Teixeira, and Bronwyn I.K. Teixeira.

He was also blessed with six great-grandchildren: Julian, Raegan, Asher, Anna, Myles, and Lyle, Jr.

John is also survived by his brother, Charles P. Teixeira of San Francisco, CA, and his sister, Caroline P. Chism (late Sam) of Phoenix, AZ. He was predeceased by brothers and sister, Joseph J. Teixeira, Patsy Teixeira, and Josephine Fernandes McGrath.

John devoted his life to generously and steadily serving others — as a police officer, a judge, a neighbor, a mentor, and most importantly a devoted husband and father for nearly 70 years. For more than 40 years he led with integrity, compassion, and an unwavering sense of duty to his community. His wisdom, strength, kindness, and sense of humor live on through the many lives he touched during his decades of service to and friendships within the Town of Niagara, Niagara County, and New York State. His absence will be deeply felt by all who knew him. Though our hearts are heavy with loss, we take comfort in the legacy he leaves behind: a life defined by faith, service, honor, and love. He will be profoundly missed and forever remembered.

Visitation will be on Friday, May 15 from 3 – 7 PM at M.J. Colucci & Son Niagara Funeral Chapel, 2730 Military Road, Niagara Falls, NY 14304. John’s Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, May 16 at 10 AM in St. Leo’s Church, 2748 Military Road, Niagara Falls, NY 14304. Please assemble at church. Inurnment will be held privately at the convenience of the family at Witmer Cemetery in the Town of Niagara.

Memorial offerings in John’s name may be made to the Town of Niagara Lions Club (through their Facebook page), Make-a-Wish Western New York (https://wish.org/newyork), Buffalo-Niagara Honor Flight (https://buffaloniagarahonorflight.org/) or a charity of one's choice.

Visit mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com for online condolences.