Albany Albany County The Honorable John R. Fascia, lifelong resident of Mechanicville, passed away on Thursday, January 15, 2015 at his residence with his loving family at his side. He was 87. John was born in Mechanicville on May 9, 1927, son of the late Antonio and Assunta (DiNardo) Fascia. John attended the Mechanicville Schools and in 1949 he decided to further his education and enrolled in the SUNY School of Polytechnology in Utica where he received his Associate Degree in 1951. He then married the love of his life, the former Betty Izzo and together they began raising their family. During this time, John attended the Night Division of RPI while working as a metallurgist at the Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory. In 1962 he was elected Commissioner of Public Safety and Welfare, serving for 8 years. During his time as commissioner he started the popular Lassie League which drew wonderful crowds to their softball games. He also started the learn to swim program and skiing and scuba diving instruction. In 1969 he was elected the first Italian American Mayor of the City of Mechanicville, serving until 1989. In his tenure, he was instrumental in building the Mid Rise Apartments, a new firehouse and the MACSC. In 1979, SUNY School of Polytechnology in Utica, formerly Mohawk Valley Community College bestowed their highest Alumni Honor, the Distinguished Alumni Award citing his life achievements.He was also co-operator of the family's car dealership, Izzo's Chrysler-Plymouth, until it was sold in 1994.After he left public service, he delighted in his travels around the world with his beloved Betty, gardening and his grandchildren. He was a master gardener, an amazing chef and loved playing cards and Scrabble with his family. He is survived by the love of his life, Betty (Izzo) Fascia and their daughters, Cheryl (Larry) Coleman-Walley, Cindy Fascia (Katherine Crouch) and Mary Beth (John) DAloia all of Albany, grandchildren Shalisha Washburn, Zachary Manrique, Alexandra Manrique, Brian Coleman-Walley, Cass and Terri D'Aloia and a great grandson Aengus Washburn. In addition to his parents, he was welcomed into Heaven by his granddaughter Caitlin Coleman, siblings Julia Fascia Scanlon, Dee Fascia, Guido Michael Fascia and his brother-in-law Armand Izzo. Relatives and friends may call from 2-5pm on Sunday, January 18 at the Chase-Smith Family Funeral Homes, 319 Park Avenue, Mechanicville. Funeral Mass will be conducted on Monday at 12 noon at the All Saints on the Hudson, South Church 121 N. Main Street. Burial will follow in the family plot in St. Pauls Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, kindly consider donations to the Anderson Center for Autism, 3969 Albany Post Road, Hyde Park, NY 12538 in memory of John Fascia. Online remembrances may be made atwww.chasesmithfamily.com