Will always remember the free spirit of his soul.

John Latanyshyn, 77, of Auburn, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, March 23, 2012 after a short and courageous battle against cancer. John was born Aug. 14, 1934, one of 15 children, in Javirnik, Ukraine. He emigrated to the U.S. in 1962, followed the next year by his wife, Stefania. They have lived in the Auburn area ever since. He worked at New Process Gear in Syracuse for 23 years, and was a member of UAW. He loved to sing, and as a young man, was a member of a touring men's choir that performed at the World's Fair in Montreal in 1967. He remained in the choir at SS. Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church in Auburn, where he was communicant. He was also a member of the Sicz Club and the Ukrainian Congress Committee, and the Lemko Society. Throughout his life, John traveled extensively, both domestically and internationally. He was a member of the Auburn YMCA where he worked out daily. His greatest joy came from tending his amazing garden and helping his neighbors and friends. His giving spirit will be deeply missed. John is survived by his wife of 49 years Stefania (Steffi); and his daughter Maryanne; in addition to three siblings in the United States: Irene, of Mount Pocono, Pa; Walter, of Carlstad, NJ; and Jaroslav, of Mount Pocono, Pa. He is also survived by a number of nieces and nephews, and several siblings still residing in the Ukraine: Olga, Maria, Theodore, Christina, Stefan, Anna, and Theresa. He was predeceased by his brothers, Michael, Mytro, Nicholas and Solomon. Funeral services for Mr. Latanyshyn will be at 8:30 a.m. Monday, from the Plis Funeral Home, and 9 a.m. in SS Peter & Paul Church. Burial will be in St. Joseph's Cemetery. Friends are invited to call Sunday, from 4 to 7 P.M. at the funeral home, 220 State St., Auburn. To send a message to the family, sign our guest book at www.auburnpub.com and click on obituaries.