John Magacs, 86, of 293 Bundy Road, entered the church triumphant, Thursday, May 16, 2013, at Cayuga Medical Center with his two loving sons by his bedside. He was born in Ithaca , the son of the late Steven and Elizabeth Magacs.
John was a graduate of Ithaca High School . He attended Cornell before serving in the United States Army during the aftermath of World War II in occupied Korea , attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. He received his Bachelor's degree from Ithaca College in 1952 and went on to be a loyal alumnus.
In 1969, after employment with Morse Chain, John embarked on his financial services career. As a sole proprietor NASD broker dealer he advised his clients on investment opportunities for their retirement years. For many he was the first to explain what a mutual fund was.
He took an active role in his sons' pursuits, coaching their Kiwanis baseball teams, exposing them to college libraries and concerts, driving them to and from rehearsals and never missing a performance. He instilled a love of knowledge. His conversations inevitably involved reaching for the encyclopedia or dictionary.
John married Dolores Baker in 1953 and was a loving and devoted husband until her death in 2005. He is survived by his two sons Jeffrey and Steven, both of Ithaca .
A celebration of John's life will be held Monday, May 20, 11am at St. Luke Lutheran Church, Pastor Rick L. Bair presiding. A reception will follow at the church. Private interment, the next day, will be in Pleasant Grove Cemetery. Bangs Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers friends may make donations to St. Luke Lutheran Church or The Ithaca Concert Band.
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