June 12, 1932 – September 28, 2025
Olean- John S. Vanini, of Olean, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, September 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 United States 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 St for fifteen 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, and a daughter, Aileen (Charles) Henning of Fairport; five grandchildren, Breana, Haley, Sean, Brian, and Christian.
He was predeceased by his parents, Cyril and Emilia.
Friends will be received on Thursday, October 2, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Guenther Funeral Home, 1303 E. State St., Olean, with a funeral service at 12 p.m. 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 2nd St., Olean, NY 14760, or http://oleanlibrary.org/
Online condolences may be expressed at guentherfh.com
