With profound sadness, we announce the passing of our beloved father, grandfather and great grandfather, John H. Johnson. He was predeceased by his parents, John and Mary Jane (Park) Johnson; brother, Arthur; sisters, Ruth and Marilyn.

Jack was born on February 1, 1936. He graduated from West High School and attended RIT. He proudly served in the Marine Reserves as he began his 35-year career at Eastman Kodak. Not ready to retire after that, Jack drove a school bus for Greece Central School District for 10 years, where he kindly greeted the children each day with a smile.

Family was the center and greatest joy of Dad’s life. He never missed a birthday, sporting event and most importantly, a pizza party. He was rarely without a pocket full of lollipops for his grandchildren, the neighborhood kids and the kids on the bus. In his younger days, he performed in one act plays. Dad loved to travel, especially on his annual trips to Florida. He enjoyed walking the pier and attending concerts in Charlotte, gathering with friends for weekly domino games and dinners. He would try his luck at any casino. Dad was an avid Bills fan through and through. He will be remembered for his kindness, compassion and patience.

Jack is lovingly survived by his daughters, Tracie Hopkins and Jacqueline (Eric) Hoegler; grandchildren, Stephanie (Nick) Bellucco, Michelle (Dylan) Scott, Erica (Joseph) Geisel, Ryan (Leiganna Miller) Hoegler and Michael Hoegler; his cherished great-grandchildren, Brooke, Emma, Charlotte, Allison, Jackson and Camille; companion, Joy Pawlas; nieces and nephews. Special thanks to Pat and her Helpers at Fleming Point for taking such good care of our father.

Friends and family may call on Thursday, August 13 from 4-6 pm at Bartolomeo & Perotto Funeral Home, 1411 Vintage Lane, with a service immediately following.

The Life of John H. Johnson

John H. Johnson, a kind, loving, generous, calm, and genuinely nice man, passed away peacefully on July 27, 2026, after a life filled with family, friendship, adventure, laughter, and love. Born on February 1, 1936, in Rochester, New York, John grew up in a different era—just after the Great Depression and before World War II. During his childhood, the movie Gone with the Wind captured the imagination of the country. Over the course of his lifetime, he would witness countless changes in the world, including the launch of public television, but through it all, John remained grounded in the things that mattered most to him: his family, his friends, and the simple joys of life.

John was the son of John and Mary Jane (Park) Johnson. His father, John, worked at Kodak, while his mother lovingly cared for their family as a homemaker. His parents each came to America from Ireland. Their love story began aboard the boat bringing them to America, where they met on the journey to Ellis Island. Together, they raised four children: Arthur, Ruthie, John, and Marilyn. John was the second son and third child, and he was the last of the four siblings to pass away.

John attended School #19 before graduating from West High School. Even as a young man, he had a sense of fun and adventure. He was known around school for his beloved “hot rod,” a 1941 Plymouth Convertible. His high school friends thought he was a swell guy. After high school, he continued his education at Rochester Institute of Technology.

A strong sense of service and responsibility was part of John’s life as well. He proudly served in the Marine Reserves from 1954 to 1960. He went on to build a long and dedicated career at Kodak, where he worked for 35 years. Not yet ready to retire, he worked as a bus driver for the Greece Central School District. John was never afraid of hard work, and he approached his jobs with the same steady, dependable nature that he brought to every part of his life.

John married his wife, Norrine, and together they welcomed two daughters, Tracie and Jacqueline. Being a father was one of the most important roles of his life. Later, John found love with Joy Pawlas, sharing another special chapter of his life with someone else who also brought him happiness and companionship.

Family was at the heart of everything John did. He was present in the lives of those he loved and was always willing to lend a hand. If something needed to be fixed, John was there. If someone needed help, John was there. If a family member needed financial assistance, John quietly offered help. He had a generous spirit and never seemed to need recognition for the things he did. He simply loved his family and wanted them to be cared for and protected.

John had a special place in his heart for his grand-dog, Shelby. One of his favorite things was taking Shelby swimming at the lake. He also graciously cared for Tracie’s cats whenever she was out of town, showing that his capacity for love extended to every four-legged member of the family.

He also treasured his friendships, many of whom lovingly nicknamed him ‘Jack.’ He held his friends close and formed special bonds that lasted throughout his life. Jack shared many wonderful memories with his neighbors, Joanie and Frank, especially while playing dominoes together. He made countless fun memories with the Pakush family, and he especially enjoyed traveling, vacationing, and cruising with his dear friends Ed and Tina. For Jack, friendship was about spending time together, sharing laughs, making memories, and simply enjoying one another’s company.

Jack was a social man with an adventurous spirit. He loved traveling, going on cruises, attending family events, walking, visiting the casino, and eating at Ezzy’s. He enjoyed performing in one-act plays and belonged to a square-dancing club. He was a devoted Buffalo Bills fan and enjoyed cheering them on. He loved pizza!

Jack was not a man with many dislikes. In fact, when he encountered something he didn’t particularly enjoy, his response was characteristically understated: “That’s not my favorite.” It was just one example of his calm, easygoing nature.

He had a few favorite sayings that those who knew him will remember fondly. His familiar advice was, “Take it easy.” And when watching the stock market, he would happily announce, “If the green arrow is pointing up, Grandpa is making money.” These little phrases, delivered in Jack’s own unmistakable way, are the kinds of memories that will continue to bring smiles long after his passing.

In his quieter moments, Jack enjoyed watching Columbo, Monk, and Everybody Loves Raymond. He also liked watching Fox News and keeping up with what was happening in the world. He appreciated the comfort of familiar shows and familiar routines, but he was equally happy getting out, seeing people, and being part of the lives of those around him.

Jack’s greatest gift was his ability to make people feel cared for. He was compassionate, calm, kind, and dependable. He was the person who helped, fixed, gave, protected, and showed up. He did not need grand gestures to demonstrate his love. His love was found in the everyday things – in helping a family member, caring for a pet, spending time with a friend, attending a family gathering, sharing a meal, or simply being there.

Jack’s legacy is not only in the years he lived, the places he traveled, or the work he accomplished. His greatest legacy is found in the people he loved and the example he set. He showed his family the importance of kindness and respect. He taught them to help others, to protect the people they love, to cherish friendships, and to appreciate the simple pleasures life has to offer.

Jack lived a long and meaningful life surrounded by people and experiences that mattered to him. He leaves behind memories of laughter, generosity, adventure, friendship, and unwavering love for his family.
Those who knew Jack will remember his gentle nature, his easygoing spirit, his generous heart, his sense of humor, and his familiar reminder to “Take it easy.” And perhaps whenever someone sees a green arrow pointing upward, enjoys a slice of pizza, watches an old favorite television show, or spends a summer day at the lake, they will think of Jack and smile.

He was, in five simple words, kind, loving, generous, calm, and nice – and he will be deeply missed and forever loved.