John R. Sole of Saratoga Springs, NY found peace August 29, 2008 at St. Marys Hospital- Amsterdam, NY after fighting a courageous 3 yr. battle with cancer. Born October 1, 1943 in Shadyside, OH, and residing in NY since 1961, he was a graduate of Bellaire High School, Bellaire OH, and SUNY Potsdam for his undergraduate degree in education. He attained a Masters of Science degree, Specialist in Educational Administration and Doctor of Education from SUNY, Albany. John served and was honorably discharged, in the US Army 72nd Corps of Combat Engineers, Fort Benning, GA. from 1966 - 1968. John began his distinguished career in education as a teacher in the Schenectady City School District. His advocacy for the profession led him to a career with the New York State United Teachers from 1975-1997 with 10 years as a Field Representative followed by 11 years as the Regional Staff Director for Jamestown and Albany. During this time, an assignment by NYSUT and AFT led John to Ft. Lauderdale, Fl, where he served the Broward Teachers Union as Director of Field Services. Following his retirement from NYSUT he returned to Florida as the Broward Teachers Union Director of Staff from 97-99. His second career in retirement was directed toward his talent as a leader in school administration with positions in Schuylerville Central School as the Director of Student Services and Guilderland Central School as the Director of Human Resources. Johns official retirement began in 2005 with a 6 month road trip to follow the college baseball career of his youngest son, Brian. John is survived by his wife, Joanne (Eddy) Sole of 27 years and four devoted sons: John R. Sole Jr. of Rockton, IL. (Sherri); Jason Howard Sole of San Francisco, CA ( Anya Ho); Matthew Scott Sole of San Francisco, CA; and Brian Coudray Sole ( Tori ) of Concord, CA. He was the youngest of seven children born to Howard Otto Sole and Zona Mae Sole. His surviving siblings are: Opal Rush of Tomball, TX; Howard O Sole Jr. of Rayland, OH, Bernetta Swietnicki of Glendale, AZ and Charlotte Carpenter of Two Rivers, AK. He was preceded in death by his sister, Delores Rogers of Vista, CA and brother, James Sole of Watervliet, NY. He is also survived by two granddaughters, Erin K. and Natalie M. Sole, many nieces and nephews, brothers and sisters in law that he loved as his own. The family wishes to thank the staff of The Glens Falls Cancer Center, St. Marys Hospital and The Cancer Medicine Center directed by Dr. Michael Castro for their compassion and expert care. A memorial service celebrating Johns life will be held at the Presbyterian Church, 24 Circular St. Saratoga Springs on September 6, 2008 at 3PM. The family will be receiving guests from 1-3 PM, prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, John's wish was to establish an annual scholarship fund in his name to a deserving, determined and promising senior without means who aspires to further his/her education from his alma mater, Bellaire HS, Bellaire, Ohio. Donations may be made to Raymond James and Associates, "FBO John R. Sole Bellaire HS Scholarship Fund" mailed to: Ellen Dean, Financial Planner, 1118 E. Missouri, Suite A2, Phoenix, Az. 85014. Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes of 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs (584-5373).