Saratoga Springs, NY- John E. Armstrong Jr., 87, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 28 with his family by his side. He was born July 8, 1936 in Saratoga Springs, NY to John E. Armstrong and Mary "Mae" McKinney Armstrong. John graduated from St. Peter's Academy in 1954 and while in high school he worked at Saratoga Vichy, then joined the US Army with basic training at Fort Jackson, SC. He was stationed at Fort Richardson, Anchorage, AK.

Following his military service, John became a member of Carpenters Local 229 before becoming a loyal employee at International Paper Company in Corinth and member of Local 6 Machinists for 38 years.

John was an avid Yankee and car race fan and also enjoyed snowmobiling and riding his motorcycle. He enjoyed countless Friday nights at Albany Saratoga Speedway and trips to Super Dirt Week in Syracuse, Dover Downs Speedway, New Hampshire Motor Speedway and the Daytona 500 with family and friends. John and a group of great friends pooled their trades and helped each other build their own homes.

Surviving family members include his devoted wife of 64 years, Diana Woodcock Armstrong, his son David, his daughters Fay Carter (John Lister), Danna O'Connell (Terry); his two granddaughters Jessica Marcy and Morgan Lister; his two great grandsons James and David Marcy; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by his parents, his sister Mary Pat Armstrong Ottman and her husband Willard, his nephew Kilian Ottman, his brother in-laws Richard and Donald Woodcock and numerous close friends.

The family would like to thank the Saratoga Springs Fire Department, Saratoga Hospital emergency department and D1 Unit for their professionalism and tremendous care.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Noon on Tuesday, June 4, 2024 at St. Clement's Church, 231 Lake Ave. Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.  Burial with military honors will follow in the family plot in St. Peter's Cemetery, West Ave.  Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/ Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Home, 628 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Clement's Church, 231 Lake Ave, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 or to Saratoga Springs Fire Fighters, Local 343 Community Fund, PO Box 559 Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.