John S. Vanini

OLEAN — John S. Vanini, of Olean, passed away peacefully at home Sunday (Sept. 28, 2025) after a long illness.

John was born in Olean on June 12, 1932, the son of the late Cyril and Emilia Tonini Vanini. On June 11, 1960, in St. Bonaventure Church in Allegany, he married the former Sally Walsh, who survives.

A 1950 graduate of Olean High School, John went to work for Clark Brothers in Olean.

Joining the U.S.Navy in February 1953, he served during the Korean Conflict aboard the USS Zellars. He was honorably discharged in June 1955.

John graduated from Alfred University with a bachelor’s degree and obtained a real estate license.

He became a real estate broker and investor, over the years buying and selling older homes, and took pride in managing his own rental properties. He was the owner and landlord of the former Stratton Hotel on South Barry Street for 15 years. He was instrumental in bringing an Alfred State College extension to the area, which later grew into Jamestown Community College.

John was Chairman of the Olean Home Show three times and was a past member of the Jaycees.

John is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Sally; two sons, John (Kelli) Vanini of Florida and Kevin (Annmarie) Vanini of Grand Island; a daughter, Aileen (Charles) Henning of Fairport; and five grandchildren, Breana, Haley, Sean, Brian and Christian.

He was predeceased by his parents, Cyril and Emilia.

Friends will be received from 10 a.m. to noon Thursday (Oct. 2, 2025) at the Guenther Funeral Home, 1303 E. State St., Olean, with a funeral service at noon in the funeral home. Burial will be in St. Bonaventure Cemetery, Allegany

Memorials, if desired, may be made to the Olean Public Library, 134 N. Second St., Olean, NY 14760, or https://oleanlibrary.org/.

Online condolences may be expressed at guentherfh.com.