ILION John Richard Humphrey, age 94, of Second Street, passed away peacefully on Sunday evening, June 8, 2014, in Mohawk Valley Nursing Home. He had the comfort of his daughter at his bedside. He was born on June 17, 1919 in Herkimer, a son of the late Harry and Gladys Richard Humphrey. A lifelong area resident he was a graduate of Herkimer High School. A WW II US Navy veteran he proudly served his country in the Asiatic-Pacific and was honorably discharged on December 18, 1945 as Machinist Mate 1st Class. On January 15, 1954, he was united in marriage to the former Iris Vartabedian in the Herkimer United Methodist Church Parsonage by the late Reverend Fred Cotnam. They shared a loving and devoted union of 49 years until her passing on April 25, 2003. For over 41 year he was employed as a tool maker with Remington Arms Company in Ilion, retiring in 1981. Mr. Humphrey had a strong belief in God and was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Herkimer/Little Falls. He was also a member of the Herkimer Masonic Lodge #423 F&AM since 1946. He joined the Masons bowling team and was All State head for their bowling league. John and his wife had a shared interest in Indian folklore along with a genuine appreciation of the Native American Culture. They journeyed out west each summer from 1981 to the mid 90s enjoying the beauty of the landscape and the people. John will always be remembered as a loving, soft spoken, gentle man, who truly loved his family. Always ready and willing to lend a helping hand, never looking for anything in return. Surviving are his three children, Bradford, R. Humphrey of Stephentown, twins, Alan J. Humphrey of the town of Ohio, and Pamela I. Humphrey of Ilion, twin granddaughters, Audrey and Alyssa of Humphrey, of Stephentown, a brother, William D. Humphrey and his wife Jean of Herkimer, several nieces along with his canine companion, Memory. Besides his parents and wife Iris, he was preceded in death by a brother Harry Robert Humphrey. A memorial service will be held on Thursday at 1:00 p.m. in Fenner Funeral Home, Inc., 115 Court Street, Herkimer. The Reverend Janet Gleason, pastor of the First United Methodist Church, Herkimer/Little Falls will officiate. Interment will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery, Herkimer. The family will be present in the funeral home to receive relatives and friends on Thursday morning from 11:00 am until 1:00 p.m. (two hours) prior to the memorial service. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the First United Methodist Church, Herkimer/Little Falls Memorial Funds. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.