John “Jack” Richard Relyea, Sr, A Poughkeepsie Native, Dies at 87

John “Jack” Richard Relyea, Sr., 87, passed away suddenly at home in Marlboro on Sunday, February 12, 2017.

Jack was born in Poughkeepsie, New York on May 1, 1929, the firstborn child of Reeves and Mary Murphy Relyea. He was in the Poughkeepsie High School Class of 1947 and served in the U.S. Army from 1950 to 1952 during the Korean War.  Jack joined IBM in Poughkeepsie in 1952 and retired from Data Systems Division Industrial Security in 1990.

Jack was a recipient of the 1987 IBM DSD President’s Award.  He was recognized for excellence and achievement in handling all aspects of security at the Poughkeepsie sites, including safety, traffic, fire and medical emergency response units.

Jack was recently predeceased by his wife of 56 years, Josephine and his son, John, Jr.  He leaves behind his daughters, Jacqueline and Lucy. He was a member of Sacred Heart Parish in Newburgh since his marriage on July 11, 1959.

Jack was a devoted husband and father.  He was thankful and appreciative of the many blessings bestowed upon him.  Jack loved his family, was dedicated to his work and was an avid New York sports fan.  He enjoyed travelling throughout the country with his family, as well as his many trips to Madison Square Garden, Shea and Yankee stadiums.

Jack was predeceased by his brother, William.  Survivors include his sisters Mary (Joseph) Raciti, Susan Relyea and Barbara Relyea.

Memorial donations in honor of Jack may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memorial and Honor Gifts, P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38148-0142.

Private funeral services were held at Brooks Funeral Home on Wednesday, February 15th, prior to a Mass of Christian Burial at Sacred Heart Church, Newburgh and burial with Military Honors in Calvary Cemetery, New Windsor followed.