John Tully LaVarnway

John "Kitten" Tully LaVarnway, 76, of Attica, beloved father, grandfather, brother, and uncle passed away suddenly in his home on Saturday, January 24, 2026 surrounded by his loving family.

John was born on Tuesday, February 8, 1949, in Auburn, NY to the late John William and Mary Patricia LaVarnway. The family relocated to Attica, NY when John was one year old. John graduated Attica High School in 1968. Shortly after, he was enlisted into the United States Army from 1969 to 1971 as a member of the 25th Infantry Division, 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry, Golden Dragons. He served his country honorably in Vietnam. During his military career, he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster and Device (1960), Army Commendation Medal With Oak Leaf Cluster, two Overseas Service Bars, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device (1960).

After his military service, John returned home to Attica, NY and married his high school sweetheart, Rosemary. It was through that marriage John earned his greatest role as father, having two children together. He provided for his family working as a Corrections Officer at Attica Corrections for 29 years, until his retirement. Although the marriage did not last, and they both remarried, friendship remained. John was a bonus dad and grandpa to their large blended family as they continued to celebrate family milestones together.

Following in his dad's footsteps, John was nicknamed "Kitten" by his fellow corrections officers in honor of his father "Jack the Cat". He never met a cat that didn't want to follow him home, and was known for his gentle spirit and compassion for all living things. John was an avid reader of suspense and thrillers, and the daily Farside comic. He was known to knock off the daily crossword without cheating and he was a talented artist who found joy in drawing. He also enjoyed attending rock concerts with his son Johnny and embracing life's music and energy. To know John was to know a good time and a good laugh. He didn't sweat the small stuff, and met everyone with an endearing smile. He was a proud American and steady supporter of fellow Veterans. Above all, John had a giving heart and a deep, abiding love for his family who meant everything to him and he was willing to sacrifice anything for.

He is survived by his children: Johnny LaVarnway and Stacey (Eli) Harris; grandchildren, Eli Harris III and Ellie Harris; bonus child, Kristin (James) Rozewski; bonus grandchildren, Oliver and Milo Rozewski; former wife Nancy Hare Rautenstrauch; step children, Steven Keicher and Heather (Tim Vetter) Keicher; step grandchildren, Savannah, Norah, and Ellah Vetter; brothers, David (Sue) LaVarnway, Michael (Maury) LaVarnway, and Mark (L. Kathie) LaVarnway; sisters, Mary (L. Royal) Bailey, Suzanne (L. Roger) Kimmel, Annette Pfaff, Kathy (Dennis) Klotz, Sheila (Tom) Thompson, Theresa (Jeff) Hume, Erin (Scott) Mast; cat, Onyx and many nieces, nephews, and friends who will miss him deeply.

In death John is reunited with his parents, John William and Mary Patricia LaVarnway; grandson, Mason Harris; first wife Rosemary (Louie) Janes; brother, Bill LaVarnway; nephews, Joel LaVarnway, Joey Bailey, and Jake Johnson; niece, Aubrey Kimmel.

Family and friends are invited to calling hours at Marley Funeral Home, 135 Main Street, Attica on Tuesday, February 10, 2026 from 1:00pm to 4:00pm, with a Memorial Service to follow. A celebration of life will be held at The Attica American Legion, 83 Market Street after the Memorial Service. A graveside ceremony with full military honors will take place in late spring at the WNY National Cemetery in Pembroke, NY. This obituary will be updated when details are known.

John will rest peacefully knowing that the community and family he loves so much would continue to look after his son, Johnny in his absence.