John C. Rozyla

Mr. John C. Rozyla, age 93, of Utica, passed away on Friday, March 25, 2022, at MVHS, St. Luke’s Campus, with the love and support of his family.

A lifelong resident of Utica, John was born on July 29, 1928, to the late John and Agnes (Zaga) Rozyla and attended local schools. He proudly served in the U.S. Army and U.S. Naval Reserves. On August 13, 1955, he was united in marriage to Yolanda Diodato, a blessed union of 66 years. Following his military service, John worked as a truck driver, a career he enjoyed as it enabled him to connect with others during his various deliveries. Long after his retirement, he would run into people who recognized him from his delivery days. He also was self-employed as a sewing machine repairman, actually making house calls. John was also an expert handyman, performing home improvement projects well into his 80s, and he never hesitated to go out of his way to help anyone.

He is survived by his loving wife, Yolanda “Landa”, his daughter and son-in-law, Linda and Robert Hughes, his grandson and wife, Christopher and Ana Hughes of Lakeland, FL, and his great-grandsons, Matthew and Robert Hughes. John was fortunate to spend some time with Chris, Ana, Matthew and Robert this past January. John is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his four sisters and brothers-in-law, Frances and Sid Maycheck, Mary and John Check, Clara and Joseph Gambino, and Gladys and Adam Diodato; one brother, Stanley Rozyla; and sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Rose and Rollie DeVito, Mary and Joseph Lewis, Catherine and Daniel Kenneally, and Victor and Ann Diodato.

A private Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the convenience of the family in St. Mark’s Church, with the Rev. Mark Kaminski officiating.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Dr. William Ryan and Lori Fiorentino, nurse practitioner with MVHS, for their care and compassion. In memory of John, please consider making a donation to Hospice Care Inc., one of his favorite charities.