John J. Macejka, Sr.

ROTTERDAM - John J. Macejka, Sr., 92, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday November 5, 2023. John was born in Nyack NY on January 27, 1931 to the late Matthew and Kathryn Pease Macejka and was raised in his early adolescence years in Piermont NY. John then moved to Rotterdam NY with parents Matthew and Violet Macejka where he attended and graduated from Draper High School. John later graduated from Hudson Valley Community College, before joining the United States Army where John served in the Korean War. After he was honorably discharged from the service in 1953, he met and married Laverne Farone on May 26, 1956. Together they raised four children. John worked in the electrical field for a short time, before he began working for the Town of Rotterdam. John took a position as the Rotterdam town assessor, a position he held for 30+ years. In the mid to late 60’s John became heavily involved in Rotterdam politics, first serving as a Democratic committee member and eventually President of the Rotterdam Democratic Committee. John would eventually run for public office and got elected and served on the Schenectady County Legislator from 1972 - 1991. During his tenure as a County Legislator from District 4, he served as the party’s minority leader from 1978 - 1991. Upon retirement from the town, John ventured back into the political scene where he served one full term on the Rotterdam Town Board as a town councilman. He was a past member of the Rotterdam Elks Club and the Knights of Columbus, as well as many other town civic organizations. John enjoyed antiquing, and going to garage sales, where he dabbled in antiques his whole life. John’s other favorite pastimes was frequenting the casinos (maybe a little too much) and watching and rooting for his New York Yankees. In addition to his parents and wife Laverne, he was predeceased by his siblings, Gloria Bochetti, William Macejka, Anthony Gallo, Blanche Keough, Matthew Macejka III, and Helen Nicholson.

John is survived by his children, John Macejka, Jr., Charles (Laura) Macejka, Daniel Macejka, and Kathryn (Keith) Agneta; his six grandchildren, Jack, Jordan, Jenna, Giovanna, Nathan, and Rayna; his siblings, Debra Harwood and James Macejka, and several nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be held on Monday November 13th from 5 to 8pm at the DeMarco-Stone Funeral Home, 1605 Helderberg Ave, Rotterdam. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Tuesday November 14th at 11am at the Church of St. Adalbert in Schenectady, followed by interment in St’s Cyril & Method Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of John’s late wife Laverne to the American Cancer Society. Condolences can be posted at demarcostonefuneralhome.com.