John M. Deresky, Major Retired USAF, passed away on January 29, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on March 7, 1942 to John and Frances Deresky of Mineville N.Y.

He is survived by his wife Helen of 58 years, his son John J. Deresky and wife Alyssa (children John Rock, Helena, Max); his son Mark Deresky and wife Sherry (children Jacob, Sarah, Rachel); and his daughter Lara Deresky Foster and husband Thomas (children Thomas J., Luke); and by his sister Janice Dawson and husband Jack (children JD, Jennifer, Jamie).

John's life was defined by his faith, family, friendships, and his dedication to the United States Air Force, and he passed on those values and loyalties to his children and grandchildren.

John was born in Mineville, N.Y., and, after a 22-year career, he returned to the area for his last assignment at Plattsburgh AFB to be close to his parents. John and Helen stayed in the area to raise their children in the beautiful Adirondacks. John was an avid sports fan, dedicating his time to follow his children's sports and coaching their teams, and later cheering on his grandchildren.

After his AF retirement John worked for a few years in the Finance industry, then, when they both were retired, he and Helen started spending winters in Florida.

John's passions in New York were fishing, friendships, and driving the grandkids around the beautiful Lake Champlain to waterski. In Florida he could be seen on the golf course whenever he could with his golf groups and buddies (leaving behind his phone so as Helen could not distract him from getting that sure hole-in-one or locate him on the 19th hole). Wherever he was, John's sense of humor and his stories (sometimes too long!) endeared him to his friends.

A funeral Mass and services will be held at Arlington National Cemetery in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation would be welcomed.