Detective John E. Major
Is Dead of Heart Attack
Served on Police Force Since 1938—Made Acting Detective Last November
Detective John E. Major, 48, of the Auburn Police Department suffered a heart attack and died yesterday afternoon at his home, 60 Elizabeth Street.
Although Mr. Major had suffered from heart trouble for some time, he did not complain to fellow officers yesterday of any pain while on duty. When he returned to his home shortly before 5 p.m. he told his wife that he wasn't feeling well.
After lying down for some time he went to the bathroom. When he didn't return Mrs. Major went to see if he was all right. She found him lying on his back on the bathroom floor.
Police Notified
Police were notified by phone. Capt. Robert J. Riley detailed Officers Francis J. Tenity and J. Wayne Armitage to the Major home.
Once before the officer had suffered a heart attack which confined him to his home for several months before he was strong enough to return to duty.
Chief Chester J. Bills today called Det. Major one of the "outstanding" men in the department.
"He was loyal, courageous and devoted to his duty," the chief said. "His work as a patrolman and detective has been outstanding. He reported to duty many times when, no doubt, his physical pain was great.
"Det. Major enjoyed not only the respect of his fellow officers but of the city and community," Chief Bills declared.
Black and white bunting was placed around the door of police headquarters early this morning. The flag will fly at half-mast in front of the station until after the funeral.
Born in Skaneateles Falls, Det. Major had lived in Auburn for 30 [24] years and had been a member of the Auburn force since 1938. Last November he was appointed acting detective.
Mr. Major was a member of St. Mary's Church and of the Holy Name Society of that parish. He held membership in the Cayuga Club Benevolent Association and the Auburn Council 207, Knights of Columbus.
For some years before becoming a member of the police department he worked in a Skaneateles grocery store [owned and operated by E. A. Cronauer of Skaneateles Falls]. He was an enthusiastic hunter and enjoyed fishing, but had to give them up when he began having heart trouble.
He joined the force as a patrolman and was well known in Auburn. When he was appointed acting detective in November, Mr. Major became a plain clothesman.
Survivors
He is survived by his widow. Mrs. Marie McBeth Major; five daughters, Mrs. Russell Morehouse Jr. of Sennett, Mrs. Theodore Skowron, Miss Joann Major, Miss Rita Major and Miss Patricia Major; a son John E. Major Jr., all of Auburn; his father, Thomas E. Major of Skaneateles Falls; four brothers, Onondaga County Attorney Charles T. Major, and Sarto Major, both of Skaneateles; Floyd J. Major and Lloyd F. Major; two sisters, Miss Laura Major and Mrs. James O'Shea, all of Skaneateles Falls; a granddaughter, Linda Lee Morehouse of Sennett, and several nieces and nephews.
The funeral will be held at the home at 9 a. m. Monday, with services at 9:30 a. m. at St. Mary's Church. Burial will be in St. Joseph's Cemetery.
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