Obituary of John J. Fanning

Fanning, John J. – peacefully on Mar. 29, 2020, age 84, of Oyster Bay, NY. John J. Fanning was born and raised on Manhattan's East side, an area once known as the Gas House district, where he and his eight siblings lived as a close-knit family.  A US army veteran, he graduated from CUNY’s John Jay College and earned a master's degree in labor and industrial relations from the NY Institute of Technology. John was a 58 year member of the Enterprise Association of Steamfitters Union, Local 638. He loved working as a steamfitter almost as much as being involved in the political Labor movement in the early 70’s. He “retired” after 30 years as an employee of the State of New York. Where he served as Assistant State Labor Commissioner for the Long Island region, Chairman of New York State Labor Relations Board, the first state ombudsman of the Workers Compensation Board for injured workers, and as the Long Island District Administrator of the Workers Compensation Board. After retirement  he served as a Vice Chairman of the Nassau County Conservative Party and as a member of the State Committee and the State Executive Committee. His last government position was in 2020 on the Town of Oyster Bay’s Zoning Board of Appeals. John and Diane, his wife of 55 years, reside in Oyster Bay for the past 24 years.  During recent years John and Diane enjoyed a respite watching sunsets in Vero Beach, Florida. He is survived by his loving wife Diane, his sister Theresa, his son Douglas and wife Diane, his daughter Kimberly and husband Michael and five grandchildren, Samantha, Heather, Jack, Logan and Luke. All who loved him and will miss him very much. In light of the current circumstances the family will be keeping the immediate Funeral Services private. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date, including a Memorial Mass at St. Dominic RC Chapel, Oyster Bay, NY. Funeral Arrangements entrusted to Oyster Bay Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence visit oysterbayfuneralhome.com