Chili: Passed away suddenly on May 19, 2026. John is predeceased by his father, Stanley Prewasnicak Jr. He is survived by his loving wife of 31 years, Maria (LaPlaca) Prewasnicak, children, Melissa (Shawn) Otto & Jenna (William Imburgia) Prewasnicak; mother, Marjorie Prewasnicak; sister, Linda (Thomas) Sobczak; in-laws, Patricia & Frank LaPlaca; brothers-in-laws & sisters-in-law, Frank (Tracey) LaPlaca, Michelle (Alan) Abraham & Andrew (Jennifer) LaPlaca; several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews & cousins; his brothers and sisters in law enforcement & Special Olympics family.

To know John J. Prewasnicak was to know someone who showed up — for his family, his friends, his community, and anyone who needed him. He was a leader and a caretaker, a life-of-the-party presence, a loyal friend, a proud “girl dad,” and a man whose love was steady, generous, and unmistakable.

John was born in Rochester, New York, on August 9, 1965 to Stanley and Marjorie Prewasnicak. He grew up with a strong foundation of family, service, and loyalty, values that shaped the man he became. Following in his father’s footsteps, John joined the Rochester Police Department and had the special opportunity to work hand in hand with Stanley for several years. That shared bond meant the world to him.

John’s life was full of the things and people he loved. He enjoyed golfing, boating, watching baseball, cheering on the Orioles, searching for shark teeth at the beach, and spending time in Florida. He especially loved time at the family cottage on Canandaigua Lake. After his father’s passing, John carried out Stanley’s wish of rebuilding it, creating a place where family memories could continue for generations.

John met Maria, the love of his life, on a Bills/Dolphins cruise through mutual friends. It was love at first sight, and from there they built a life centered around family. They were married for 31 years and together they raised their daughters, Melissa and Jenna, who were truly the pride of his life. John was their biggest fan in every sense. Whether coaching softball, attending volleyball and softball games, or simply dancing with his girls in the living room to Eric Clapton’s “Layla,” John made his love known through both big moments and everyday ones.

John loved being surrounded by people. He had a gift for friendship and his circle was wide because his heart was wide. He had a large family and friends from every chapter of life: childhood friends, his college “boys,” RPD brothers and sisters, Special Olympics friends, neighbors, and countless others who became part of his extended family. He had a way of making everyone feel seen, often greeting people with his familiar “hey kid,” no matter their age. He called his family and many others by nicknames, Maria as “Ri,” Melissa as “Mo,” and Jenna as “Lucy.” He kept people laughing, and brought energy and a huge presence into every room he entered. We all knew the same John: loyal, fun, supportive, and always ready to help.

John’s legacy is not only in what he accomplished, but in how he made people feel. He made people feel welcomed. He made them feel protected. He made them feel loved. And for those lucky enough to be part of his life, that love will remain forever. His legacy is found in the people he cared for, the family he adored, the friends he gathered, and the countless lives he touched simply by being himself.

John’s life story will be shared during visitation, 3:00-7:00 pm on Wednesday May 27th at the funeral home, 1411 Vintage Lane. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated 9:30am on Thursday, May 28th at Sacred Heart Cathedral, 296 Flower City Park, Rochester, NY 14615. John will be laid to rest in the First Responders Section of Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Memorial donations can be made in John’s name to Special Olympics New York, 94 New Karner Road, Suite 208 Albany, NY 12203.