CANISTEO: John Gavin Heaslip, 96, passed away Monday morning (January 28, 2019) at St. James Mercy Hospital in Hornell after a short illness.
John will be remembered for his years of service to the Canisteo area where he was a guidance counselor at Canisteo Central School and helped countless young men through Boy Scouts as the longtime scoutmaster of Troop 83. John was born in Carlton Place in Ontario, Canada on April 13, 1922. His family moved to the United States and settled in Gloversville, NY. He was a graduate of the Manlius Military Academy. He was attending Syracuse University when drafted in the United States Army after the country entered World War II. He was inducted in January of 1943 and served with the Pacific Forces in the Philippines. He was discharged in March of 1946 with the rank of Sergeant. He returned to Syracuse to finish his studies in education. His first teaching job was in Roxbury N.Y as a history teacher. He moved to the Canisteo School system where he met his future wife Helen “Pat” Jeanette Squires who was also teaching there and became the love of his life. They were married in the bride’s hometown of Attica NY on December 17, 1955. John worked the rest of his education career in Canisteo where he guided many generations of students through their high school years as guidance counselor, bowling coach and senior class advisor. Upon his retirement he remained active in many local organizations, Civic Club, Morning Star Lodge #65 F&AM and the First Presbyterian Church.
In addition to his wife Helen “Pat” Heaslip of Canisteo, John is survived by two sons: Steve (Holly) Heaslip of Barnstable, Mass. and Paul Heaslip of Rochester, two grandchildren Katherine and Scott Heaslip, as well as a sister: Carol Monteleone of Mt. Morris. John was predeceased by a sister Dorothy Stead.
There will be no prior calling hours. Family and friends are invited to a Masonic Service followed by a memorial service, Sunday at 2:00 pm, at the First Presbyterian Church in Canisteo. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery in Canisteo.
Memorial contributions in John’s name may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, 10 South Main St. Canisteo, N.Y. 14823 or to the Five Rivers Council BSA, 244 West Water St. Elmira, N.Y. 14901.
Online condolences and memories may be shared through hpsmithandsonfuneralhome.com.
