John J. Diffley Jr.

John J. Diffley, Jr, 85, a resident of the Holyoke Soldiers Home, entered into his awaiting Savior's loving arms who welcomed him to his eternal life (I Cor. 2:9) on Sunday, June 22, 2014 at Baystate Medical Center. Born in Altoona, PA on June 23, 1928, he was a son of the late John J. Diffley, Sr. and Julia (Irvin) Diffley. As a Korean War Veteran, John served active duty overseas and the homeland in the US Air Force for 20 years and continued as a SMS GT in civil service at Westover AFB for 21 years. He served as an accountant and was awarded the Financial Budget Officer of the year in 1992. He was a very active communicant in his churches, Our Lady of Sacred Heart Church and the former St. Matthew's Church. John was also very active in his community, he was a faithful volunteer to the Springfield voting polls, member of the Knights of Columbus, softball and bowling leagues, and was an avid Yankees fan. Not only was he a sports fan, John was also a Patriot: as a young man he turned down a baseball scout, Honus Wagner, for a chance to play with the Pittsburgh Pirates and chose to serve his country. He was very devoted to his family; they were the joy of his life right down to the last little great grandchild. He was predeceased by his loving wife, Lola E. (McKinney) Diffley on July 2, 2012. Johnny leaves his 5 daughters who call him "the world's greatest dad", Judith E. Zina and her husband Richard of Ludlow, Denise C. Keery and her husband Timothy of Tolleson, AZ, Betsy L. Ventrice and her husband Reverend Renzo of Holyoke, Joni C. Doyle and her husband Chaplain Phil of Ludlow, and Patti J. Shaffer of Phoenix, AZ; brother Rick Diffley; three sisters, Connie Neuherz, Kay Bade, and Betsy Wheeler; six grandchildren, Kelly, Henry, Richie, Zac, Kelsey, and John; and three great grandchildren, Gracie, Noah, and Trenton.  Along with his wife, John was predeceased by his brother Jim Diffley, and his sister Mimi Angermeier.  The family would like to extend a very grateful thanks to the Holyoke Soldiers' Home particularly to John Beaton and the nursing staff for outstanding, respectful, and compassionate care for our beloved dad. Funeral services will be held on Monday, June 30, 2014 starting at 830a at Ratell Funeral Home, 200 Main St, Indian Orchard, followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 930a in Our Lady of Sacred Heart Church, 417 Boston Rd, Springfield. Rites of Committal will follow at 11a in the Massachusetts Veterans' Memorial Cemetery Chapel, 1390 Main St, Agawam. Calling hours will be held on Sunday, June 29th from 4-6pm with an hour of testimonials and prayer from 6-7pm. Memorial contributions may be made in loving memory of Johnny to the Holyoke Soldiers' Home, Activities Fund, 110 Cherry St, Holyoke, MA 01040. For further information please visit Ratellfuneralhome.com.