John Bida

John Bida, longtime resident of Chenango Lake, passed away peacefully at his lakeside home on December 31, 2007.He was born in Amenia, NY, the son of Sam and Kateryna (Kancir) Bida. He was a graduate of Hawkins High School in Hawkins, Wisconsin.

After high school, John worked on the Shamrock Cranberry Marsh, which was owned and operated by his father in Hawkins and then moved to Daytona Beach, Florida where he raced dogs. He married Elma Murphy on August 17, 1946 and later moved to Rochester, NY where he was employed by General Motors for 27 years as an engineering supervisor for the Rochester Products Division. During this time he also raised, trained and drove standard-bred race horses along with his brothers, Frank and Paul Bida. His horses raced at tracks in Batavia, Vernon Downs, Saratoga and Pompano Park in Florida. After retiring to Chenango Lake in 1969, John spent time enjoying country life and continued to be actively involved in the horse business until the time of his death. He was a member of the United States Trotting Association.

John is survived by his best friend and loving wife, Elma, his yellow lab, Dolly and several of his beloved race horses. He is also survived by his brother, Pete Bida of Berkely, Michigan; his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Jean and Art Miller of Glenwood, Florida and several nieces and nephews and their families. He was predeceased by four sisters and their husbands, Eve and LaVerne DeForest of Sidney, Katherine and George Cole of Binghamton, Stella and William Lyons of South New Berlin and Mary Bida, also of South New Berlin. He was also predeceased by three brothers, Frank and Paul Bida of South New Berlin and Sam Bida of Ely, Nevada; his sisters-in-law, Neva Bida of Ely, Grace Bida of Berkley, MI and his nephew, Christopher Lyons of South New Berlin.

Graveside services for John will be held in the spring in St. Paul’s Cemetery. There will be no calling hours.

The services are under the direction of the Wilson Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting the funeral home website at: www.wilsonfh.com.

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