Obituary of John M. Thurston

Vernon-John Monroe Thurston, born on May 2, 1935, passed on October 12, 2021 at the age of 86 with his family by his side. John was a hardworking man with a kind heart that was highly regarded by not only his family, but many friends and others who knew him. John was co-owner of Thurston Farms with his beloved brothers. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved fishing, hunting, boating and snowmobiling. He was a member of the Vernon Rod and Gun Club and a 63-year honorary member of the Horseshoe Lake Hunting Club. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 58 years, Barbara R Thurston, and his five children Paula Eastman, John and Mikki Thurston, Mike Thurston and Penny Hale, Melissa and Wayne Kobler and Jennifer and Doug Brown along with many beloved grandchildren, Chea, Emily, Liz, Kyle, Travis, Shawn, Kaylee, Cody and Amber, as well as, great grandchildren Madison, Olivia, Kian and Blair. Recognition to Ronnie Finen, a special longtime friend to John and in John's later years, Buddy Richardson, a close friend. Calling hours will be at Malecki Funeral Home, 23 Front Street, Vernon, NY for family and friends on Friday, October 15, 2021 from 3:00- 6:00 pm. A private service will be held at the Stockbridge Cemetery on Saturday October 16, 2021 at 10:30 am. Following, all are welcome to a Celebration of Life at The Hill at 12:00 noon Saturday. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to The Vernon Rod and Gun Club or The Horseshoe Lake Hunting Club; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Special thanks to Dr. Marshall and his staff at Verona Healthcare Center, Sharon George, and hospice. Online condolences may be sent to maleckifuneralhome.com