John R. Siver, 81, of Watertown passed away peacefully and surrounded by family on September 27, 2017 at Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse after a long and courageous battle with ALS

Born May 7, 1936 in Watertown, son of Harry J. and Anna O. Blake Siver, John graduated from General Brown High School in 1955 where he was the NYS Wrestling Champion 1954-1955. He also was a member of the Watertown Red and Black Football team.

He married Eleanor Barney on December 1, 1956 at Holy Family Church, which later ended in divorce.

Mr. Siver was employed by Borden Dairy Products, Prudential Ins. Co. and was a self-employed contractor and local business owner. He was honorably discharged from the Naval Reserves in 1962.

He enjoyed playing cards, hunting, fishing, collecting antiques and spending time with his large family

Among his survivors are a daughter and son–in-law, Christine L. and Jeffrey A. Bohling, Sandy Creek, two sons and their wives, Tim J. and Mary A. Siver, Queensbury, NY, John R. II and Grayson Siver, VA, six grandchildren, Jaime Kopie, Whitney McDermott, Molly Siver, Abby Siver, John R. "Jack" Siver III, Bennett Siver, two great-grandchildren, Aubrie and Landyn Dillon, a step-daughter and son-in-law Suzanne and William Stenard, their sons Daniel and Anderson, two brothers and a sister-in-law, Robert and Rita Siver, Brownville, Gary Siver, AZ, three sisters and two brothers-in-law, Erma Patchen, Gouverneur, Fay M. and Phil Stevens, FL,  Mary Ann and Charlie Carrier, Niagara Falls, and many nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be held Friday 10/6 from 4-7 PM at the Hart & Bruce Funeral Home, Watertown.

A Funeral Mass will be said Saturday 10/7 at 10:00 AM at the Immaculate Conception Church in Brownville.  Burial will follow in Glenwood Cemetery.

Donations may be made to the ALS Association

Online condolences may be made at www.hartandbrucefh.com