John B. Hawkes, 71, of Lockport, NY passed away on Saturday, June 22, 2019 at the Hospice Unit of Beechwood Continuing Care after bravely battling a long illness. John is survived by his loving wife Kathleen (Collins), daughters Trisha (Bill) O’Brien and Erin Hawkes, sister Judy Wiedl, sister-in-law Karen (Dennis) Brauer and several cousins, nieces, nephews, great niecesand great nephews. He is predeceased by his sister Angela (Sandy) Patrick.
John, a lifelong resident of Lockport, was born on May 2, 1948 to John and Bernadine (Burke) Hawkes, known as Jack and Bunny. He graduated from DeSales Catholic High School in 1966 and later attended Erie County Community College earning a degree in Electrical Technology. On June 13, 1970 he married Kathleen Sue Collins of Newfane before leaving for Germany with the US Army for two years. He later was in the US Army Reserves for two years then the National Guard for ten years. John worked at Harrison Radiator for 38 years as an Electrician completing the Apprenticeship program and becoming a Journeymen and Group Leader. He also served on the Fire Brigade at Harrisons. He was a lifetime member of the Wright’s Corners Fire Company where he served as a trustee and eventually as president and then as an Exempt Fireman.
John gave freely of his time as a volunteer for the Red Cross as an instructor and to the Niagara County Girl Scouts where he served as Site Chairman for Camp Margaret Castle and Zoar Valley Camp. He also was a member of the Board of Directors of the Girl Scouts. He was always eager to help out a friend and enjoyed the outdoors, especially the beloved family cottage in Burt, NY. Although he was an Electrician, he was also known for being a great problem solver and was able to fix just about anything you brought to him. John very much enjoyed spending time with his grand dogs, Maggie and Cooper and grand cat Abby.
Relatives and friends may call Friday, June 28th from 2-4 and 7-9 at Prudden & Kandt Funeral Home, 242 Genesee St., Lockport. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, June 29th at 10 AM in All Saints Parish, 76 Church St., Lockport. Please assemble at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in John’s memory to Beechwood Continuing Care/Blocher Foundation 2235 Millersport Hwy, Getzville NY, 14064.
