John Liporace Sr. was born in Hoosick Falls, NY on June 27, 1935 to Ralph and Mary Liporace. His father emigrated to the United States from Cosenza, Italy, a mountain town in the Province of Calabria, at the age of 16. His mother emigrated with her family from Italy at age 8. John was an avid reader and was the valedictorian of the class of 1953 at St. Mary’s Academy in Hoosick Falls.

He went on to become Vice President and Partner of Blue Flame Gas Company, which was owned by his father. A prominent businessman, he was very active in the local community. At age 27, he was elected President of the Town of Hoosick Lions Club. He was also a member of the Elks Club, Director of the Hoosick Falls Realty Corporation, member of the Town of Hoosick Housing Authority, lector and communicant of the Immaculate Conception Church, director of the New York Gas Association and Chairman of its education committee.

John married Florence Leeseman in September 1956. They raised five children: Jeanne, Phyllis, Joyce, Debbie, and John Jr. The family has many fond memories of their weekly Sunday family outings, clambakes at Hedges Lake, and John Sr.’s constant guidance and support. John Sr. was diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia in June of 1973. After a sixteen month battle with his illness, he died on August 7, 1974, at the age of 39.