John Lettieri, of Port Ewen, New York, passed away peacefully on the afternoon of October 15, 2024, surrounded by family and friends during a brief hospital stay in Kingston, New York. Born in 1930 in Corona, New York, John was the fourth of seven children, and the first to be born in America, of Ottavio and Maria Antonia Cetrangolo Lettieri, who immigrated from Rofrano, Italy. His family maintained a small farm on Xenia Street in the Corona neighborhood of Queens, New York.

John lived a full and remarkable life. His childhood was shaped by the challenges of the great depression, instilling in him a strong sense of self reliance and determination. During the Korean War, John was stationed in Tokyo, Japan, where he handled communications for the Army. Despite significant obstacles, he became the first of his family in generations to graduate from college. He went on to earn a masters degree in engineering and have a distinguished career as a senior engineer with IBM. Among his many achievements were several patents and, most notably, his role as the key developer of the IBM 129 computer, affectionately known within the company as the “Lettieri Machine.”

John was married to the love of his life, Mary Caputo Lettieri, for 69 years until her passing in 2023. Together, they raised five children and welcomed many grandchildren and great grandchildren into their lives. John had a deep faith in God, which was evident to all those who knew him. He attended many churches throughout his life and over the past 33 years he and Mary were members of the Lomontville Assembly of God. John was deeply devoted to his family. It was this devotion that motivated him later in life to spend several years compiling his memoirs – a labor of love to preserve the stories of his family for future generations. His love of outdoor activities, including kayaking, hiking, and bicycling, has been a great example and inspiration to his children and grandchildren over many years.

He is predeceased by all six of his siblings, Frank, Teresa, Angelo, Vito, Salvatore and Eliseo. Surviving are his children, Dr. John T Lettieri (Evelyn) of Greenville, SC, David O Lettieri (Stephanie) of Ulster Park, Mark S Lettieri (Linda) of Rifton, Paul A. Lettieri (Laura) of Poughkeepsie, and Cynthia L. Vermilyea of Fort Mill SC, his grandchildren, John W. Lettieri (D’Ann), Ruth Lettieri McElroy (Andrew), David J. Lettieri (Amanda), Matthew Lettieri, Jennifer R. Quiles (David), Mark D. Lettieri, Paul L. Lettieri (fiancé Alyssa), Isabella Lettieri, Jonathan Vermilyea, Tyler Vermilyea, Kaylin Vermilyea, and 14 great grandchildren: Jack W., Rose P., William O. Lettieri, Luke B. and Lily S.M. McElroy, Olivia C. and Hudson D. Lettieri, Aurora and Amanita Quiles, Dominick and Raelynne Lettieri, Myla and Wyatt Lettieri, and John D. Vermilyea. John is also survived by his sisters –in- law and many nieces and nephews.

The family is especially grateful for the care and companionship John and our entire family received at Mountain Valley Manor in Kingston during his many months of residence there.

Arrangements entrusted to Keyser Funeral & Cremation Service, 326 Albany Avenue, Kingston, New York 12401, where family and friends may visit on Friday October 25, 2024 from 4pm to 6pm. Visitation will also be held at the Lomontville Assembly of God, 123 Ashokan Road, Kingston, New York 12401, on Saturday October 26, 2024 from 10am to 11am with the funeral service taking place at 11am. Burial will follow in the Ulster County Veterans Cemetery at New Paltz Rural Cemetery, New Paltz, New York. For the funeral service live stream, please click here.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hudson Valley Hospice or Samaritans Purse.