Obituary of John Nelson Schoff

John Nelson Schoff John N. Schoff, 74, of West Branch, passed away on January, 7, 2017 at Faxton- St. Luke's Hospital, with his loving family at his side. He was born on July 28, 1941 in Rome, a son of the late William and Mary Nelson Schoff. John was a graduate of West Leyden High School Class of 1960.On April 20, 1963 John was united in marriage to Sandra Leah Vernold in West Leyden. They celebrated 51 years of marriage before Sandra passed away on April 18, 2015. For over thirty years John was employed by United Parcel Service (UPS) as a Master Mechanic, working at their Utica and Rome locations. In 1967, John and his wife Sandy established Schoff Polaris in West Branch, N.Y. which is still one of the longest running Polaris Dealerships in N.Y. Approximately 10 years ago the business moved to Elmer Hill Rd. in Lee. John was a member of St. Mary's Church of West Leyden, Lee Center Trail Busters Snowmobile Club and the Boonville Elks Lodge. John was a gifted mechanic who could work on anything. John worked hard, played hard and was known for being brutally honest. He was also willing to help anyone in need with anything. John loved watching his children and grandchildren play ball, where you would find him at almost every game. John is survived by three sons and two daughters-in-law, Timothy and Kris Schoff, Lee Center, Patrick Schoff, Apopka, FL, Christopher and Joanna Schoff, Victor, N.Y.; a father-in-law, Harry Vernold, Rome; one brother, Ken Schoff, Salem, VA; cherished grandchildren, Halie, Tyler, Avery, Jordan and Hayden. John was predeceased by a son, William Schoff and mother -in-law, Rose Vernold. Memorial contributions may be made in John's memory to the Rome Humane Society P.O. Box 4572, Rome N.Y. 13440 Funeral services will be held on Wednesday January 11, 2017 at 10:00a.m. at Strong – Burns & Sprock Funeral Home 7751 Merrick Road, Rome. Family and friends are invited to attend calling hours on Tuesday from 3-7 P.M. at the Funeral Home. Interment will take place in the spring, at Osceola Cemetery.