Obituary of John J. Carlin

John J. Carlin entered into eternal rest on November 13, 2011, surrounded by his loving family, at Niagara Hospice House, under the care of Niagara Hospice. Born in Jersey City, NJ on December 27, 1924, the son of James and Mary (Reid) Carlin. He attended local schools, graduating from Teaneck High School in 1941. For a short time, he was the editor of the Greenville News (New Jersey) until he enlisted in the U.S. Army. John served from March 1943 until March 1946, assigned to the Headquarters Company of the 712th Military Police Battalion, Fort Niagara, NY, achieving the rank of Technical Sergeant. He was awarded the Army Good Conduct Medal, the American Defense Medal and World War II Victory Medal. Upon his honorable discharge from the military, he attended Niagara University and studied business studies. John married Marjorie Rita Payne on June 26, 1948, at Immaculate Conception R.C. Church, Ransomville, NY. He worked in the insurance business since 1950, first with John Hancock selling life insurance and then with Allstate at Sears & Roebuck. In 1956 John went with State Farm Insurance and built the very successful Carlin Insurance Agency with offices in Ransomville and Niagara Falls. He earned his Career Life Underwriter designation in 1978, and ran the agency until his retirement in 1993. He was a resident of Ransomville, NY since 1954, where he built the family home. The family resided there until 1979 when they relocated to Lewiston. John was a dedicated member of the Niagara Falls Lions Club, serving several terms as president. He was also an active member of the St. Vincent DePaul Society, Knights of Columbus and a parishioner of St. Peter's R.C. Church, Lewiston. John was an avid and talented golfer and a member of Niagara Frontier Country Club in Youngstown. When he was in his late 70's, he got two holes-in-one in the same year. John was a dedicated NY Yankees, Buffalo Sabres and Buffalo Bills' fan, enjoyed skiing and always looked forward to his annual fishing trips with his close friends. In his retirement years, John enjoyed traveling with his wife, touring throughout Europe and spending time with his children and grandchildren. He was predeceased by his two brothers, Robert B. Carlin of Niagara Falls and James E. Carlin of Orlando. Survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Marjorie and their six children, John J. Carlin, Jr. of Seminole, FL, Catherine M. Wampler (Richard) of Columbus, GA, Christopher Carlin (Debbie) of Ransomville, NY, Patricia Koryl (Robert) of Youngstown, NY, Pamela Ploumidis (Peter) of Minneapolis, MN, and Deborah Hvide of Spain; 15 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Friends may call at the HARDISON FUNERAL HOME, N. Fourth & Ridge Sts., Lewiston, on Wednesday from 2-4 & 7-9 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday (Nov. 17) at 10:00 AM from St. Peter's R.C. Church, 600 Center St., Lewiston, with Rev. Michael Zuffoletto officiating. (Please assemble at church.) Burial to follow at Dickersonville Cemetery, Ridge Rd., Town of Lewiston. The family would like to extend a special thanks to the ICU and 6th floor staff at Mount St. Mary's Hospital and Niagara Hospice for providing kind and compassionate care, and asks that donations be made to Niagara Hospice in his memory.