John Kasson

John Kasson, 88Sun City resident John Martin Kasson, former Fulton County clerk, died Feb. 14, 2008.Mr. Kasson was born March 3, 1919 in Gloversville, N.Y., the son of Grace M. and Burt Z. Kasson. He was a lifelong Canada Lake, N.Y., summer resident and enjoyed winters in Sun City after retirement with his wife of 61 years, Betty Gordon Kasson. She died in 2003.He began his education in Gloversville then attended the Emerson School for Boys in Exeter, N.H.; the Clark School in Hanover, N.H.; and Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pa. After Lehigh, he attended Roosevelt Aviation School in Long Island, N.Y., graduating with a degree in master airplane and engine mechanics. He continued his education in aircraft hydraulic systems at the University of Texas.He was employed at the Coleman Flying School in Coleman, Texas, as an assistant supervisor of mechanics. He later worked for Fairchild Aircraft where he spent many years as a technical representative before moving back to Gloversville. He was both deputy clerk and clerk for Fulton County and a member of the New York State County Clerks Association, serving on the motor vehicle and taxation committees. He was also a former member of the Fulton County Republican Club.Mr. Kasson was president and trustee of the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Gloversville and a former member of the Deputy Sheriff's Association, the YMCA and Big Brothers of Fulton County. He was a long-time member and former officer of the Canada Lake Proactive Association. Before entering county government, he was in the purchasing department of N.A. Taylor Co. and was associated with Treber and Jung Inc. He was also a World War II U.S. Army veteran.He is survived by a daughter, Sheila Sammons of Sammonsville, N.Y.; two sons, Burt (Susan) Kasson of Baldwinsville, N.Y., and John (Janice) Kasson of Tempe; six grandchildren, Lauren (Peter) Lozier of Canada Lake, Betsy (Reece) Eddy of Colorado Springs, Colo., D. Victor (Amy) Sammons of Fort Plain, N.Y., Timothy Kasson of Greenwich, Conn., Stephen (Johanna) Kasson of Lynn, Mass., and Neil Kasson of Baildwinsville, N.Y.; six great-grandchilren; a niece; five nephews; and a best friend and close companion, Fran Kryszak.He was preceded in death by a brother, Austin Kasson, and a sister, Helen Kasson Heagle.Funeral services are being planned for early July, with interment in Ferndale Cemetery in Johnstown, N.Y.