Obituary of John Shostack

John Shostack, 85 of Syracuse, died Friday at the Veterans Hospital in Syracuse following a lengthy battle against Parkinson's Disease. John was born in Syracuse, the fourth son of Bartholomew and Victoria Shostack. He graduated from Vocational High School and joined the United States Marines in June, 1943. As a member of the Fifth Service Battalion, he served in the Pacific Theater, including the Battle of Iwo Jima and later in the occupation of Japan. In 1948 he joined the Syracuse Police Department and served until December 1961 most happily as a motorcycle officer. John used his extensive mechanical skills to repair wrecked automobiles, and his carpentry skills to build custom cabinets as well as his home in Syracuse during those years. In 1961 John fulfilled his ambition of becoming a restaurateur. For 30 years he and Mary were proprietors of Forrest Home Hotel on Otisco Lake. After manging the kitchen through the dinner hour, customers looked forward to John sharing his unique perspective at the bar. John and Mary retired to Syracuse in 1991, wintering at their home in Vero Beach, Florida. John was predeceased by his brothers Bartholomew, Adam, Edward and his sister Helen. Survivors: his wife of 61 years, Mary (Kuss), his daughters Christine Shostack (Judson Rosebush) of NYC and Cynthia Massara (John) of Dewitt; his brother Larry Lemanczyk. Services: 9:30 a.m. Saturday at Onondaga County Veterans Cemetery Chapel, 4069 Howlett Hill Rd, Syracuse. Calling hours will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at the Tindall Funeral Home, 1921 W Genesee St. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Syracuse VA General Post Fund, 1516, 800 Irving Ave., Syracuse, NY 13210