John Autilio

John Raymond Autilio, age 80, of Caroga Lake, NY, passed away on August 4, 2026. He was born on December 10, 1945, in Norwich, England, the son of John and Peggy (Spaull) Autilio.

John graduated from Gloversville High School in June 1965, due to traveling back and forth to England multiple times as a child. John proudly served in the US Navy starting in August 1965, onboard the USS Kitty Hawk and then on a BT boat travelling up the Mekong Delta. He earned a Purple Heart during his time in Vietnam.

He spent many years working as a security guard at General Electric in Schenectady, and later as police chief in Mayfield.

Throughout his life, he enjoyed cars, football, baseball, music, and collecting coins. In high school, he played varsity football for GHS. He also played drums around Gloversville in a band called “The Demons”.

John is survived by his daughter Heidi (Jason) Childers, grandson Brandon Lamb, granddaughter Dakotah (Mike) Gray, and great-granddaughter Madelyn Gray. His sister Melissa Autilio Fleischut and her children Henry (Veronika) Fleischut and Mary Fleischut, and his brother Patrick (Marsha) Autilio, and their daughter Anna (Rhys) Morris. He is also survived by his stepchildren Jennifer (Bill) Brownell, Jeffery (Joanne) Brownell, Vickie Brownell, Rich (Denise) Grandshaw, and Tina (John) Grandshaw. His step-grandchildren Zachary, Alexander, Taylor, Lucas, Jordan, Justin, Trai, Logan, Haley, Billy, Brittany, and Kristian and several step-great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his loving wife Gloria in 2017, and his step-grandson Peter Bleyl, as well as his mother Peggy Spaull Reynolds, his father John Rocco Autilio, and his stepmother Joan Autilio.

A graveside service with military honors will be held Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at Prospect Hill Cemetery, Northville, at 10:30 AM with Rev. Lucy Harris officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made in lieu of flowers to the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Betz, Rossi, Bellinger & Stewart Family Funeral Home.