John Newell

FRANKFORT – Mr. John Newell, 86, of Frankfort, passed away peacefully on April 16, 2026, at the Wynn Hospital in Utica, with his loving family by his side.

He was born on June 3, 1939, in Adamsville, Tennessee, the son of the late Vannie and Donnie (Younger) Newell. He was educated and subsequently enlisted in the United States Army, having proudly served his country from his enlistment date in 1960 until his Honorable discharge in 1966.

On August 4, 1976, he was united in marriage to Freida Catalano in New York Mills, sharing many years of love and companionship until her passing on October 27, 2023.

For over thirty years, John worked as a mail clerk with the United States Post Office, Utica, New York. He retired in 2002. Prior to that he worked at Sears for some time as a mechanic.

He was a Past Commander of the Ilion American Legion Post #920, and a longtime member of the St. Francis DiPaolo Society. He truly enjoyed fishing and hunting, as well as planting his garden, and although not a major sports fan he enjoyed the Boston Red Sox.

John is survived by his beloved children, Jennifer Newell-Blaise of Florida, Sheila Messina of Ilion, and Constance Messina of Windham, NH, his grandchildren, Cara Messina and her daughter Summer Whaley, Gunner Blaise and his son Kian, Cody Messina, Joshua Olivero, Julie Santiago, Constance Santiago, Jorge and Seaklong Santiago-Yin, Jason Messina, Kayla Messina, Matthew Messina, Timothy Messina, and Chelsea Messina; his in laws, Michael Alekel of Methuen, MA, Carmelina Cobbett of Bradford, MA, Stephen Catalano and his wife Goes of Pelham, NH, and Anthony Catalano and his wife Nancy of Deerfield, NH, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. His sisters and brothers included Anne, Wilma, Hattie, Berta, Lois, James, and Harttle.

He was predeceased by one son, Stephen Messina, his son-in-law, Brian Blaise, and his in laws, Sebastian Catalano and Angie Alekel.

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, from 4-6 p.m. at the Whiter-Hendrix Funeral Home, 100 Otsego Street in Ilion. A funeral service will immediately follow at 6 p.m. at the funeral home, with Rev. Paul Catena, officiating. John will be laid to rest with Military Honors in Gerald B. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at 11:30 a.m.

The following organizations are respectfully asked to gather at the funeral home at the following times: St. Francis DiPaolo Society at 5 p.m., and the Ilion American Legion Post at 5:45 p.m.

At the conclusion of all funeral services on Wednesday evening, the family invites all relatives and friends to celebrate John’s life at the St. Francis DiPaolo Society, 152 Eighth Avenue in Frankfort, New York, where John always enjoyed a beer with his buddies.

The family extends their sincerest appreciation to Natalie, their very special nurse from the Wynn Hospital.

It is the wish of the family that memorial contributions in loving memory of John be consider to Catholic Charities of Herkimer County, 61 West Street, Ilion, New York 13357. www.ccherkimercounty.org.

To leave condolences for John’s family, please visit www.whiter-hendrix.com.