Obituary of John J. Hirniak

John "Bunky" Hirniak, Sr., passed peacefully at his home in Yonkers on Monday, July 6, 2020. He was 73. John was preceded in death by his mother Frances and brother Michael. He is survived by Collette, mother of their four children; son John and partner Dante; son Chris and wife Caroline; daughter Julie and partner Jimmy; and son Matthew, wife Sarah, and new grandson Connor. John immigrated to the United States as a young child following WWII. He settled in Hastings-on-Hudson, where he was raised and attended school. John loved playing football for Hastings High School and bravely served his country in the Army when called upon during the Vietnam War. He later graduated from Pace University. John understood the importance of simple pleasures. He loved corned beef hash and a strong cup of coffee. A voracious reader, he could carry an interesting conversation with almost anyone, a skill that always helped him connect with his insurance clients. John also loved the movies, especially action and superhero films, with a kind of childlike wonder we all wish we had. John was a passionate Giants fan and news junkie; with no new sports to watch during quarantine, he would have canceled his cable had it not been for Rachel Maddow. He loved holidays, long days at the beach, scenic drives in fun cars, and rarely met a dog he didn't befriend - all qualities that live on in his children and their families. A celebration of life and funeral service will be held for the family at Mount Hope Cemetery in Hastings-on-Hudson, NY, on Saturday, August 1st, 2020. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Freedom Service Dogs of America.