Obituary of John E. Laura

Dr. John Laura, of Eastwood passed away Sunday at St. Joseph's Hospital, surrounded by family, four months after being diagnosed with esophageal cancer. He had decided not to undergo treatment, but chose instead to celebrate his life with family and friends. Dr. Laura was born in Syracuse NY to Victor Laura and Josephine Discenza. He attended Syracuse University, was drafted into the U.S. Army during WWII, and then graduated from University of Buffalo Dental School. He served in the Korean War as a Captain in the Medical Corps. He worked as a dentist in Eastwood for 50 years and was a communicant of Holy Cross Church in Dewitt. He was a member of the Korean War Veterans Association, Chapter 105, and spoke to many area school children about the War. Dr. Laura was an active member and former President of the Onondaga County Dental Society, and a member of the Saint Apollonia Society. He was a self-taught sailor, enjoyed sailing on Oneida Lake and the St. Lawrence River, and was a member of the Quadsail Yacht & Charter Club. He enjoyed travel, taking many wonderful vacations with his wife and family. He was an amateur writer and enjoyed writing poetry, and articles for the Korean War Veteran's Association Magazine & Newsletter. Dr. Laura was also a volunteer at the Museum of Science and Technology in Syracuse in the Apothecary Shop. He was predeceased by his parents, and wife, Rosemary. He is survived by his triplet sons: Robert (Susan) of Atlanta, GA; John (Elena) of Freeville, NY; Francis of Hartford, CT; daughter: Dr. Joan Laura (George Nardone) of Syracuse; grandchildren: Carolyn (Vincent) Zenobi, Alyson Laura, Katy Laura, Douglas (Nicole) Laura, Alexandra Laura; great-grandson Xavier Zenobi. A funeral mass will be held on Friday at 10:00 am in Holy Cross Church, 4112 E. Genesee Street, DeWitt. Calling hours will be held on Thursday from 4-7 pm at the Goddard-Crandall-Shepardson Funeral Home, 3111 James Street, Syracuse. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Korean War Veterans Association Memorial Fund, PO Box 5618, Syracuse, NY 13220.