With a heavy heart, we announce the passing of beloved husband, father, and G-pa, John M. Rae Jr., 64, of Niagara Falls, NY, who passed away at his home on Saturday, May 5, 2012. He was born on December 8, 1947, to the late John Murray and Lula Belle (Miller) Rae. He enjoyed a happy childhood in Barker, where he attended local schools. After high school, he enlisted in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War, where he proudly served his country in Germany as a Sergeant in an air refueling unit from 1968 until his honorable discharge in 1972. He cherished his time in the military, spending time in the Air Force band and playing semi-professional football.

Upon his return from Germany, he attended Niagara County Community College, and then received his Bachelors degree from Niagara University. While attending college, he met and fell in love with his future wife, Carol (Bykowicz). John and Carol married in Newfane on August 23, 1975. With Carol, he became the proud father of three daughters, whom he raised with an abundance of love and humor.

John worked for more than thirty years as a purchasing agent at IDS Lakes, Pipes & Supply (formerly Hysens Supply), where he was a loyal and dedicated employee. John previously worked as a real estate agent at Stovroff & Herman. He worked tirelessly to provide for his family, and always extended himself to his family and many friends.

John was a fan of the NY Yankees, Notre Dame, and Penn State. He was an avid card player and, for many years, loved to sail his boat with his best friend, Mike Layman. Along with Carol, John was an enthusiastic member of the Niagara Miata Club. He could often be spotted driving around Lewiston and Niagara Falls in his treasured red Miata. John was a jack-of-all-trades, and enjoyed fixing all of life's little problems.


John was predeceased by his parents, his brother Harry (Sue) Fuller, sister Gretchen (Cozy) Cheavacci, brother-in-law Rudy DeFazio, and his mother-in-law Dolores Bykowicz.

John is survived and terribly missed by his beloved wife of 36 years, Carol (Bykowicz) Rae, daughters Jennifer (Carl) Yost, Allison (Keith) Jaworski, and Rebecca Rae, all of Niagara Falls. The greatest joys of his life were his three grandsons, Jacob and Matthew Yost, and Barrett Jaworski. He leaves behind his grand-dog and companion Hunter. He is also survived by his sisters Mary Jane (late Rudy) DeFazio and Sally Kosut (his twin and womb mate), his father-in-law Alfred (late Dolores)Bykowicz, his brother-in-law Jeffrey (Michele) Bykowicz, sisters-in-law Barbara (William) Barbur, Diane (Mark) Hassan, Patricia (Thomas) Turner, and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Above all else, John loved and adored his three beautiful grandsons, and will rest well knowing that his daughters and wife will be taken care of by Carl and Keith, who are truly the sons he never had. He was honored to welcome his step-granddaughter Caitlin to the family. He will miss strolling through Lewiston with Hunter by his side. An avid reader, John thoroughly enjoyed the story of his life.


John was quick with his wit, generous with his smile, and had a heart too big and full to carry on. He is in heaven raving about his three amazing grandsons and Hunter. He is proudly boasting of those he left behind. He will forever be watching over his "first wife" Carol, daughters, and son-in-laws. The cars in heaven will be very clean. We love you dad, please stay by our sides, and drive by once in a while to see the boys.

Visitation will be on Monday, May 14, from 2-6 PM at M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 Military Road, Niagara Falls, NY. A brief service will follow. In lieu of flowers, John would have liked donations sent to his daughter Rebecca's place of employment, Community Vocational Rehabilitation Center, 2103 Mackenna Avenue, Niagara Falls, NY 14303.