ATTICA - John Root King, 92, of Attica, passed away Thursday, October 1, 2026, at the New York State Veterans' Home in Batavia.

Mr. King was born December 28, 1933, in Batavia, a son of the late Leland and Elizabeth (Root) King.

John proudly served in the United States Army during the Korean War and carried the Presidential Colors as a member of the Honor Guard during President Dwight D. Eisenhower's visit to Iceland. Following his military service, he attended the New York State Agricultural and Technical Institute at Alfred, where he met his wife, Sylvia.

He enjoyed a 55-year career as an insurance agent and was co-owner of the George-King-Boss Agency in Attica.

Throughout his life, John was deeply involved in the Attica community. He was a lifelong member of the Attica First Presbyterian Church, where he served as a ruling elder and deacon. He was a longtime member and past president of the Attica Lions Club, as well as an active member of Harder-O'Donnell Post #734 of the American Legion and Masonic Lodge #462 F&AM. His commitment to the community extended to his role as president of the Intercommunity Medical Building in Attica, where he helped bring the project to fruition.

John had many interests. An avid skier and professional ski instructor, he taught downhill skiing at Holiday Valley for almost 40 years, passing his joy of skiing on to hundreds of students. His accomplished career as an instructor led to him being named one of Ski Magazine's "Top 100 Instructors" in November 2005. At age 70, he proudly earned Level III certification from the Professional Ski Instructors of America and continued skiing and teaching well into his 80s.

John was also a music lover and musician who played the bugle and joined the Attica Heraldaires Drum Corps at age 13. After 20 years with the Heraldaires, his love of drum corps led him to spend many summers working as a parade judge with the Genesee Valley Judging Association.

He had a passion for cars and mechanics. He spent years collecting and refurbishing antiques, vintage Ford cars and trucks, and his collection of over 200 scales. He also enjoyed attending cruise nights, especially behind the wheel of KING FORD, his 1949 Ford F1 pickup. He was a founding member and past secretary of the Western New York Tractor Pullers Association, volunteered with the Western New York Gas & Steam Engine Association, chairman of the annual Attica First Presbyterian Church Antique Show, and a member of the Empire State Antique Truck Association.

Surviving are his wife of 67 years, Sylvia (Richards) King; five children, John Reid "JR" (Melody) King of Clifton Park, Stephen (Kathy Trzecieski) King of Warsaw, Scott King of Perry, Krista (James LaCross) King of Charlottesville, Virginia, and Josh (Becky) King of Batavia; seven grandchildren, Nicholas (Heather) King, Melissa (Travis) Gowie, Mack, Van, and Bowen Ulrich, and Marissa and Brielle King; three great-grandchildren, Kaleb, Kaden, and Adelyn; and a sister, Ann (Roger) Verme of Shelter Island Heights, New York. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

In addition to his parents, John was predeceased by his sister, Joyce (the late Donald) Hand; and his brother, A. Reid (the late Elizabeth) King.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of John's Life on Tuesday (October 13, 2026) 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Marley Funeral Home, 135 Main Street in Attica. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday (October 14, 2026) at 10:00 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 115 Main Street in Attica. Rev. Brad Smith will officiate. Burial with military honors will immediately follow in Forest Hill Cemetery in Attica.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Attica Lions Club or the Harder-O'Donnell Post 734 American Legion.

Online messages of condolence may be left at www.marleyfuneralhome.com.