John C. Cournean Jr.

He was born on December 28, 1944 in Kane, PA, a son of the late John C. Cournean, Sr. and Ida B. Smith Cournean.

John was a 1962 graduate of Kane High School and enlisted in the US Coast Guard in September 1962 and was honorably discharged in June 1972.

Before retiring in 2009, he was employed at Bush Industries for many years.

John was an avid gun enthusiast winning several awards for his outstanding marksmanship. He enjoyed woodworking, making various items, hunting, fishing, and bird watching. He also had a wide range of items that he collected. John was known by many by his nickname of “Taz.”

John is survived by his wife Deborah A. Shafer Cournean, who he married November 18, 2004; a son Kenneth, his wife, and two children; a daughter Kathleen Hall of CT; four step-children: Robert (Chelsea) Taylor, Melissa (Troy) Lauffenburger, Elizabeth Southwick, Chantilly Southwick; seven grandchildren: Nathan Cournean, Cecelia Cournean, Jessica (Joey) Morey, Joshua Hall, Justin Hall, Jillian Hall, Jacklyn Hall; eleven step-grandchildren: Xavier Thomas, Kaileb Thomas, Emilie Thomas, Jewlieta Thomas, Elianna Southwick, Katie Lauffenburger, Cody Lauffenburger, Robert Taylor, Jr., Koltan Taylor, Zachary Taylor, Cherish Taylor; three great-grandchildren: Jaelynn, Jason, Jasmine; a brother James (Karen) Cournean of AR; and his dog “Scout”.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister Barbara Zimmerman.

In keeping with John’s wishes, no service or visitation will be observed.

Memorials may be made to Pick of the Litter, 1805 E Elmwood Ave., Falconer, NY 14733.

You may leave a memory of John and a condolence for his family by visiting www.petersonfh.net.