John Gelles

Tottenville native John Gelles Jr., 95, a retired Nassau Smelting and Refining Co. foreman who is remembered as a loving uncle, died Sunday in Madison Center, Matawan, N.J.

Born in Tottenville, he lived there for almost all his life, until entering Madison Center in 2011.

Mr. Gelles graduated from Tottenville High School.

He served in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II, from 1942 to 1945. A B-17 pilot, he was stationed in England and flew bombing missions in the European theater of operations.

Mr. Gelles worked as a foreman at Nassau Smelting & Refining Co. He retired in 1983.

He was a dedicated member of the Beauvais-Hudson Post, American Legion, which he served as sergeant-at-arms for many years.

In his younger years, he enjoyed roller skating. He liked cars and collected them. He also loved animals and supported animal shelters, including the Popcorn Park Zoo.

Mr. Gelles was close to his nephew, William Gelles, and his niece, Eileen White.

He was a member of St. Paul's United Methodist Church, Tottenville.

Arrangements, including burial in Bethel Cemetery, Tottenville, were handled by the Bedell-Pizzo Funeral Home, also Tottenville.

Services: St. Paul's UM Church Wednesday, July 23, 2014 10:00AM

Visitation: Bedell-Pizzo Funeral Home Tuesday, July 22, 2014 2-4 & 7-9PM

Cemetery: Bethel Cemetery

Location: Bedell-Pizzo Funeral Home

Church: St. Paul's United Methodist Church