John Schruise, 61, of 7045 Route 474, Panama, N.Y., passed away Sunday, Oct. 14, 2012, at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital Pitts-burgh, Pa.
He was born on March 4, 1951, in Jamestown, N.Y., the son of the late Garrett and Henrietta (Card) Schruise.
John was a graduate of Panama Central School in 1969. He was a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 17 for 40 years, having worked as a heavy equipment operator. He was a member of the Panama Fire Department, Chautauqua Lake Snowmobile Club, the Harmony Historical Society, a pilot on the Stow Ferry, and was a member of the Street Machines Unlimited Car Club. John was always willing to lend a helping hand to friends and neighbors who needed him.
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John is survived by his wife, Roberta Donnell Schruise of Panama, N.Y., whom he married Feb. 24, 1973; two sisters: Martha Mong, Warren, Pa., and Sandra (Howard) Pitt; brother, Robert (Bonnie) Schruise, Ransomville, N.Y.; three nieces and four nephew; and by his cherished friends Glenn and Eleanor Styers.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Harry Mong .
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 20, 2012, at the Panama United Methodist Church, with David Diffen-derfer officiating.
Memorials may be made to the Panama Fire Depart-ment 27 E. Main St., Pana-ma, NY 14767; or the Chautuaqua Lake Snowmo-bile Club. 7239 Hannum Road, Mayville, NY 14757.
Arrangements are being handled by the Spitzer Fun-eral Home, Clymer, N.Y.