John Sapienza, 62, disappeared from St. Johnsville, New York after being last seen on February 24, 1997, amid a contentious separation from his wife. Friends and family say he planned to drive a 1997 Chevrolet Astro van to California to visit his daughter. The van was found abandoned roughly a month later in a grocery store parking lot in New Hartford; the store manager said it had been there about four weeks.

A friend reported him missing on February 27 after Sapienza’s wife told them the van had been located. Concern mounted because he was described as very attached to his money and possessions and would not likely have walked away. Five days after the van was found, his estranged wife filed power of attorney, withdrew a large sum, and later moved to Las Vegas with a new boyfriend. An unknown person also submitted a death certificate to the Social Security Administration claiming Sapienza died on April 15, 1998, though no body has ever been recovered. The case remains an open missing persons investigation.

If anyone knew John, saw his van in February or March 1997, or has information about the power of attorney and financial withdrawals, please come forward.