John L. Runca 84 of Lewiston, NY, passed away surrounded by his family on Saturday November 21, 2015 at Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo, NY after a brief illness. Born in Castiglione Marittimo, Province of Catanzaro, Calabria, Italy, he was the son of the late Giacinto 'Gene' and Felicia (Pellico) Runca.

John immigrated to the United States with his family in 1947. On July 23, 1955, he married Esther D. (Marchesani) Runca at the former Sacred Heart Church in Niagara Falls. For over thirty five years, John worked at Hooker Chemical Corp. later known as Occidental Chemical Company in Niagara Falls as a mason in the maintenance department until his retirement in the mid 1980's. For many years, John also worked as a licensed real estate broker for Esposito Realty Company and later Polin Realty Company in Niagara Falls, NY. John was actively involved in several local fraternal organizations which included, the Cristoforo Colombo Society, Knights of Columbus Council #247, John Duke Travel Club and Occidental Chemical Co. Retirees Club. In his leisure time, he enjoyed tending to his garden, wine making and hunting. Above all, John centered his life around his family and was extremely proud of them all. He will be remembered as a hardworking man of compassion and integrity, who touched the hearts of all he met.

In addition to his loving wife of 60 years, John is survived by his six children, Gene (Shannon) Runca of Turlock, CA, Diane (Robert) Smith of San Ramon, CA, Linda (Thomas) Johnson of Lewiston, NY, John Runca, Jr. of Nashville, TN, Lisa Boulden of Grand Island, NY, Mark Runca of Lewiston, NY and was predeceased by one son Michael Runca. He is also survived by eight grandchildren, Ryan Runca, Derek Smith, Maressa Smith, Andrew Johnson, Kevin Johnson, Janelle Johnson, Christopher Boulden and Diana Boulden. He is also survived by one nephew Carlo Runca, his sister-in-law, Martha Jean Runca and several cousins. He is also predeceased by two brothers, Frank Runca and Carlo Runca, and one brother-in-law Alfred Marchesani.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 3-8 p.m. at M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY ROAD, NIAGARA FALLS, NY where funeral services will begin on Wednesday November 25th at 9:00 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. at St. Peter's RC Church, 620 Center Street Lewiston, NY with Msgr. David LiPuma officiating. Interment will be held in St. Joseph's Cemetery Niagara Falls, NY. If desired, memorial offerings may be made to the Cristoforo Colombo Society 2223 Pine Ave. Niagara Falls, NY 14301 or charity of one's choice.