John and Linda

John was a caring and generous neighbor who fought the good fights. He was not a bystander - he got involved. His intelligence, commitment and  empathy shone through in this actions. May his family find comfort in his legacy.

I got to know John after I launched The Village Sun newspaper (thevillagesun.com) a few years ago. He was a big supporter of the newspaper and he always encouraged me, "Keep going! Keep going!" John really valued local community news and he was engaged with and genuinely cared about what was happening in his community -- he was outraged at a lot of things, about how our government works and often doesn't, as are many local readers. He didn't like, among other things, special interests having undue influence over our physical landscape, and he was very opposed to public space being usurped -- with City Hall's complicity -- by private interests. I know he generously supported many local causes and candidates, etc. I had dinner with John one night at Salam restaurant down the block from his home. He brought along his trusty A-1 sauce, which he slathered liberally over his rack of lamb. It was a really delicious meal. I really enjoyed our conversation that night -- we spoke a fair amount about the Russia-Ukraine War and his views on it -- and I enjoyed learning more about him. He had a fascinating career that took him around the world and involved him in major financial planning and advising abroad, as I understand it. And he had very strongly held opinions, especially on American foreign policy. He was clearly a very, very bright man, a great mind -- but he was also light and fun, and a unique and even offbeat sort of guy, which is probably why he chose to live in Greenwich Village. I definitely learned some new and thought-provoking things from John that night -- and I really wish there had been more nights like that and that I had known him better. Thank you, John, for your generous support!!! I couldn't have done it without you. I'm glad I knew you John and I will miss you. I admire your bravery these recent years. I hope you are at peace, happy and in comfort in a better place -- a place without incompetent and unresponsive government bureaucracy screwing things up!!!

John was a loyal friend for the past 20 years. He was also a strong supporter of street artists rights and of First Amendment rights generally. He loved NYC and fought very hard to keep it livable. He will be missed.

John was a man of singular strength and conviction. It was an honor to receive his support and break bread

with him. His spirit endures.