Obituary of John Peter Froass

It is with great sadness that the family of John Peter Froass (Pete) informs you of his passing on Wednesday, February 7, 2024. Pete was a very caring and kind husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was much loved and will be missed by many who will cherish his memory. Pete was born on March 12, 1929, in Oneida, New York. He and his older sister, Mary, were the children of Paul Erhard and Constance Engels Froass. He graduated from Oneida High School in 1947, and in 1951 he graduated from Hobart College in Geneva, NY. After graduation, Pete joined the Army. He was very proud to have served his country in Germany during the Korean War from 1951-1954 and was honorably discharged from the Army with the rank of Corporal. After working in New York City, he returned to Oneida to work in the family furniture business, John Froass and Son, Inc., with his father. He eventually took ownership of the store as the third generation. He was a Rotarian for many years and a past-president. He was a longtime active member of Cochran Memorial Presbyterian Church and enjoyed attending summer services at the Sylvan Beach Union Chapel. Pete married Eileen Kinnetz, the love of his life, on June 27, 1959. Together, they raised seven children, who have given them 13 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Pete was dedicated to his family and a wonderful provider. He will be remembered as a thoughtful and supportive husband, father, and grandfather. Pete loved attending any activities and sporting events in which his children and grandchildren participated. He was their ultimate cheerleader. He enjoyed spending summers at the family camp, Whistle Wing, on Oneida Lake. He welcomed family and friends and was always inviting someone to join him for a walk to pick wildflowers, to pick blueberries, to go for a boat ride, or to get ice cream. Pete will be remembered lovingly as "Dad" by his seven children, Becky (Steve), Andy (Trish), John Paul (Sherri), Tom (Cindy), Bill (Kristin), Peter (Mei), and Sarah (Simon). Grampie or "Bompa" also will be greatly missed by his ten grandsons: Patrick (Meg), Matthew (Kelsey), Paul (Jennie), Thomas, Blake, Dillon, Henry, Aidan, Ansel, and William; his three granddaughters: Constance, Emily, and Perry, and by his great-grandchildren: Ruby and Noah. He also was a favorite uncle to many. He was predeceased by his wife, Eileen, and his sister, Mary. A Funeral Service in memory of Pete will be held on Friday, February 16, 2024, at 11:00 am at the Cochran Memorial Presbyterian Church in Oneida Castle, with Pastor Kevin Bailey officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service at the family home, 73 West 7th Street, Oneida Castle. The family will have an interment service at a later date. Contributions in Pete's memory may be made to the Cochran Memorial Presbyterian Church.