When he was a child his natural charm and irrepressible sense of humor kept us in stitches. 

As a student,  showed what an intelligent and hard worker he was, earning a scholarship to Syracuse University. There, he excelled in history and political science. At the same time, worked as a resident advisor, helping fellow students cope with the practical and emotional challenges of university life.

Later, John’s diligence and integrity made him excel in  his career in finance. He completely impressed my husband, Bill, and me with his studiousness as he got up at the crack of dawn to prepare for the exams to attain his professional licenses. This is while he could have been jet-skiing or hitting the nightspots when he visited us in Palm Beach County.  

John was a mensch: responsible, humble, generous, empathetic and kind.  We looked forward to every visit with great anticipation. His engagement and marriage to Emily was a magical time for all, and their wedding was the most elegant and lively celebration I can remember. 

The happiest most recent moments occurred when we got together with John,  Emily, their son Charlie and their psychic dog, Hilde. Their home was bursting at the seams with fun and exuberance, as we played hide and seek and crazy eights. 

John was a doting father who derived pure joy from teaching four-year-old Charlie to play chess, which Young Master did with alacrity. By the time Charlie was four and a half he could set up a chessboard himself and analyze each move his opponent made. 

John was great fun to be around with his jocularity, wit and energy.  We will miss those chess games,  as well as John’s brilliant insights into sports, contemporary events and politics. But most of all we will miss the promise of what John was and all of the tomorrows we should have shared. He was just plain wonderful to be around, and we will love him forever.  We love you and miss you John, the one and only. 

Charlie out-maneuvering any challengers in tic-tac-toe

We visited East Goshen Park on July 4th weekend

Sincerest condolences. I had the fortune of working with John for a short time. He truly adored his son Charlie and thought the world of him. May John’s memory be for a blessing. 

Dear Emily, Charlie, John and Brenda,

Please accept our warmest condolences. We remember John from our vacations in Canada at the cottage and of course we saw John Jr  and Emily and our father's funeral in Cananda.  John was a good man and loved history. He embodied debate.  He raised a beautiful family, wife and son.  He brought out the best of us. In unthinkable loss, Emily is carrying on and the courage to raise Charlie.  Jesus is standing tall to welcome him home. 

Sending sincere sympathy for your loss. 

Emily so sorry to hear about your loss.

May you be surrounded with much love, caring and support  from both your families, friends and so many others who know you  and knew your husband John. 

What a brilliant, confident man, full of personality.  We are honored to have known him.  His relationship with this father was inspiring.  We can't imagine the feelings of loss that Emily and John & Brenda must have.  

John was a great friend and mentor to me.  His intellect, humor and personality are one in a million.  I am better for knowing him (and Emily and Charlie) and am devastated by the sudden loss of John.  I cannot pretend to understand how difficult this will be for all of his close family and can only tell you that John was a favorite person of mine.  We clicked years ago and worked and travelled closely together often - we always made time to hangout after our long days - because we appreciated each other so much.  Seeing him in Philadelphia in August was a gift.  He presented to a group of advisors and absolutely crushed it.  He stayed for cocktails and dinner - his smile and laughter in a big group was impossible to miss.  I deeply wish John knows how much everyone loved him and what an incredible person he was to me and others.  The world is less bright and will be forever missing his energy and humor.  We love you John and miss you deeply.  And to Emily, Charlie and the family - I am willing to help in any possible way I can.  I am but one of MANY financially knowledgable friends that John built a strong bond with - if I can do anything to help you the resources of my firm are available to you without cost, forever.  Just ask if we can help.  Emily, you and I never texted, if you need anything please reach out at 704-280-6114.   Mike Cole.  

To John,Brenda,Emily and Charlie,

My sincere condolences for the loss of son to John and Brenda..husband to Emily and father to Charlie. My thoughts and prayers are with you all

Sincerely

John was a fantastic guy—someone who one could feel very close with even if you were far apart. I knew John from being RAs at Syracuse more than 20 years ago—watching SNL, talking nonsense, dodging duties. We stayed in touch through our love of sports, and baseball. He was so fun and so funny, with a great laugh and a giant heart. Emily and Charlie, I am devastated for your loss.