John Bement

John graduated from Southside High School, Elmira, NY in 1961 and then joined the U.S. Navy. Upon discharge, he married Donna E. Batulis of Elmira, NY in 1966 and the couple had 3 children, Karen (David) Matticio, Edward Bement, and Kimberly Bement.

John received Business Management degrees from Corning Community College (Corning, NY), and Murray State University (Murray, KY). After graduation, John joined the Kmart Corporation and was a Manager for 30 years in several stores throughout the Northeast. He transferred to Englewood, FL in 1998 where he managed the Merchants Crossing Kmart store until 2002 when his retirement dream was realized – spending summers on beautiful Keuka Lake and the rest of the year in sunny Florida.

John always loved fast cars – building them in younger years, and owning them in later years. He also loved boats and watching football, basketball, and NASCAR racing. He enjoyed gardening and “fixing things”, and was a “good cook and bottle-washer”. John was a hard worker, and he was always willing to help friends and neighbors.

John will be greatly missed by his wife, Donna, of nearly 57 years; their daughter Karen (David) Matticio, and granddaughters Sarah Matticio and Julia Matticio; their son Edward Bement, grandson William Bement, and great-grandson Weston Cole; their daughter Kimberly Bement; as well as his sister-in-law Rev. Betty Bement, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

John was pre-deceased by his parents Edward A. and Margaret Childs (Neal) Bement of Elmira, NY; brother William N. Bement (Louise Bement) of Lansing, NY; sister Mary Jo (Bement) Greatsinger (William Greatsinger) of Lowman, NY; and brother Thomas Bement of Painted Post, NY.

John was a member of the American Legion and the Roman Catholic Church.

Arrangements are by National Cremation Society. Services to be held at a later date.

Contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or American Heart Association in John’s memory.