John "Jon" Badi, Sr , VRHS Class of 1962
Jon P. Badi, Sr. passed away on December 12, 2023. He is the son of the late Christine (Tina) and Zaverio (John) Badi. Jon is the husband of 51 years to Louise Badi (Fahrenkopf); father to Jon Badi Jr. (Laura) and Trish Badi (Kevin); and brother to Sandra (George) Grock. Survived also by 8 Grandchildren, Jon Badi lll, Tara Vogt (Aaron), Brandon, Dyllan, Kaitlynn, Cody, Ethan, and Nathanel; 4 Great Grand Children, Gabriel Badi, Noah Vogt, Allyonna Vogt, and Harper Vogt; and many Nieces and Nephews. He was pre-deceased by his Sister Sharon Badi (Grock). Jon Graduated from V.R.H.S. in 1962. He joined the United States Marine Corp at the age of 17 while still in school. He received an Honorable separation in 1965 and an Honorable discharge in 1968. While in Okinawa he was sent to school and became a demolition expert. Jon was a member of the Gerald O'Neil Post #1683. He was a Past NYS Commanders Aide for Ken Governor, a Past Rensselaer County Commander, and a Past Post Commander as well as the Service Officer. He is a Dual member with the Sons of the American Legion Squadron #1683. He was a Charter member of the American Legion Riders Post #1683 and is the Chaplin of the Riders. He served as Third District 2nd Vice Commander, 1st Vice Commander and 3rd District Commander from 2015 to 2017. He made the American Legion legacy run for Commander Fang Wong in 2012. In 2006 he graduated from the American Legion College and has been the secretary for the NYSALCA for several years. Jon was a member of the National American Legion Press Association and the New York American Legion Press Association as a reporter and or photographer. He was a proud Member of the Patriot Guard Riders of New York, Section 5, since 2010. He was also a member of the Captain William O'Brien Detachment of the U.S.M.C. out of the Zaloga Post in Albany, NY. Jon was a Life member of Lansingburgh Veterans of Foreign Wars. He is a life member of the Chemical and Hose Co. #4; here he served as recording secretary for several years and then as President for 2 years. Jon was a founding member and a chartered member of the Rensselaer Fraternal Order of Eagles # 4446. He is their first State Officer (not including dual members). He is their first ten-year Worthy Secretary, twice. He was the NYS Worthy President for 2015 - 2016. A charter member of the Rensselaer Eagle Riders #4446 as well as President. In 2006 he was inducted into the Hall of Fame for the State Fraternal Order of Eagles located in Ithaca, Jon was a Charter Member of the Cobleskill Eagle Riders 2695 of Cobleskill, NY. He is a dual member of Lansingburgh and South Glens Falls. He belongs to the A.B.A.T.E. Riders of the Albany Chapter. He has been associated in one way or another with the Rensselaer Little League since 1952. He drove truck, mostly cross-country and drove in every state except Alaska. Jon drove for 39 years and was short approximately 250,000 miles of 4 million miles before being forced to retire at 57 for health reasons. He belonged to the Eastern Conference and the Central conference of the Teamsters Union. (WHOOPI) Screwed me right to my grave. Friends and Family are invited to attend the Calling hours between 4-7 Thursday, December 21, 2023 at Wm. J. Rockefeller Funeral Home, 165 Columbia Turnpike, Rensselaer, NY. Jon will receive a USMC Honor Service on, December 22, 2023 at 11am, at the funeral home. Interment to follow at New Rural Cemetery, Rensselaer.