HORNELL-John J. “Jack” Generalli, 85, of 83 Platt St., Hornell, died Thursday afternoon (June 10, 2021) at Hornell Gardens following a long illness.
Born in Hornell on January 3, 1936, he was the son of John & Wyona (Smith) Generalli.
Jack, affectionately known as “The General”, grew up in Hornell and attended Hornell High School (class of 1954). Following the untimely death of his sister, he left high school just two months before graduation. He later earned his General Equivalency Diploma (GED).
He was a veteran of the US Army serving his country from 1955-1957 and was stationed at the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) following the end of the Korean Conflict. While serving in the US Army, Jack was a member of the Military Honor Guard. He later served in the US Army Reserves.
Following his honorable discharge from the US Army, Jack returned to the Hornell area and was employed for several years at Asplundh Tree Service. For nearly 30 years he worked in construction for numerous construction companies in the area. He retired in 1998.
Jack had been a member of the Hornell American Legion, the Hornell VFW and a former member of the Hornell Sons of Italy. He was also a 50 year member of the Laborers’ International Union of North America. In his younger years he loved playing billiards (shooting pool) and in recent years enjoyed golfing, working in his garden (he was known for his garlic) and taking long walks with his dog.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Arleen Mae Generalli.
Surviving are his longtime companion, Mary Lou Markham of Hornell; several cousins; and several of Mary Lou’s nieces & nephews. He will also be missed by his lifelong friend, Gerry Powers.
At Jack’s request there will be no calling hours. A Memorial Service with military honors will be held on Saturday at 11:00 AM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating. Final interment will be in the Bath National Cemetery, Bath, NY.
In recognition of Jack’s service to his country as a member of the US Army, the American Flag at the Dagon Funeral Home will be flown at half-staff.
Jack’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to either the Hornell Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, NY 14843 or to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Pl., Memphis, TN 38105. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.
To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com.
