John A. Common
1940-2017
Bolivar
John A. Common 77 of 71 Friendship St. passed away on Monday December 4, 2017 in the Highland Park
Care Center in Wellsville following a lengthy illness. Born February 16, 1940 in Shinglehouse PA he was
the son of William and Myrtle Mae Mitchell Common. In July 1960 he married Rita LaRuche in Friendship.
Mrs. Common preceded him in death on April 23, 2008. On May 1, 2010 John married Kimberly Bechdel,
Mrs. Common survives.
John was employed for several years by the Friendship Foundry, later was employed by Dresser Rand
Company in Wellsville for over forty-five years retiring in 2000. John also owned and operated Bolivar
Service Company for twenty years. He was a member of the United Church of Christ Arcade, Wellsville
Dresser Rand Machinist Union, Dresser Rand Computer Club, A.B.A.T.E motorcycle club and a life member
of the Bolivar Fire Department.
Surviving in addition to his wife are three children, Sherry (Steve) Foster Abbington PA, Dawn Lacroix
Bolivar and John (Beth) Common Allentown; three step children, W. Ryan Bechdel Arcade, Jennifer
Bechdel Atlanta GA, Sara Bechdel Albion NY; nine grandchildren, four great-grandchildren. Also surviving
are one brother, Arthur Common Tenino CA and one sister Sharon Murphy Olean. He was preceded in
death by two grandchildren, Tristin and John Common III; one sister Deanna Burdick and one brother
William Common.
Friends may call at the Schaffner Funeral Home Inc. Bolivar on Saturday December 9, 2017 from 11AM -
1PM. Funeral services will follow at 1PM with Pastor Robert Dievendorf of the United Church of Christ
Arcade, NY officiating. Burial will be in Bowler Memorial Cemetery Little Genesee.
Memorials may be made to United Church of Christ 297 Main St. Arcade N.Y. 14009.
Schaffner Funeral Home
