Vicki,
I’m so sorry to see John’s passing. I remember him so fondly when we worked together at Xerox. He always had such a calm disposition, a sly smile on his face, such a good guy.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
May you find comfort in all the memories you have made during your life together.
I had the chance to meet John (and then Vicki) through Mark and Amy Gamble while visiting Rochester over the past decade. I’m so grateful we spent a memorable week together in Point Pleasant Beach this past summer. His warmth, humor and presence were deeply felt even in that short encounter. Through the many stories shared and the obvious love from friends and family around him, it’s easy to understand the kind of person he was.
To his Vicki, his family, and the many who called him a friend – I extend my deepest condolences. Rest in peace John.
I met this amazing man in 11th grade. We got along instantly.
We both loved basketball, drinking beer, and laughing.
John graduated from GCHS in 1982, and enrolled at RIT with Schoj, Ped, Mazz, and Ronnie Speziel
Whether during High School, College, or as 20’s -30’s-40’s something, we would play basketball almost daily at either Washington Irving, Edgerton Park, Cobbs Hill, the RIT bubble, that church in Gates, leagues all over the city, Teddy T 3 on 3, Riefs back yard, Cheese’s back yard, or my back yard. Anywhere there was a game, we played.
Schoj, Gumby, Cheese, Dude, Mazz, Zaso, Kurt, Gabes, Ped, Tiimmy McGuiness, Nigly, Brenen, Bernie, Cheese’s brothers, Mark and Kevin. And I apologize if I missed anyone.
Rief was that dependable shooter, passer, and rebounder.
But, as good of a basketball player he was, he was a better person.
We often visited each other at college. Him and Schoj at RIT where Schoj was a complete stud, scoring goals and kicking ass is soccer, Dave Wescott at Geneseo, Gumby at Fredonia, and me at MCC and Buffalo State.
And at all of those colleges we played basketball, drank beer, and laughed.
And in this close GC community, we were in each others weddings, around for the births of each others children, all the way through their high school graduations and some of their weddings.
And although at times we weren’t in constant communication, due to some of us living out of town. It only took a phone call, or a visit and it was like we never missed a beat.
They say that most people only have a handful of friends like that. As you can see by the amount of people attending today, that didn’t apply to Rief.
He was raised by 2 wonderful parents, Jack and Nancy Riefer. They were friendly, kind, and always welcomed John’s friends for dinner, a beer, or a sleepover. So it’s no surprise he became the person that we all know.
His brothers Mike and Chis, although older, looked up to John.
Mike, John was so proud to be your brother, and I’ll never forget the times with you and John hanging at your parents house.
After he graduated RIT, he started his career in accounting at Xerox, and worked there for over 32 years.
During that time, he met his soulmate, Vicki. They fell in love and got Married.
He met his match with Vicki. Smart, tough, and compassionate.
They have 3 beautiful children.
David, Elania and Nick. He spoke all the time of how proud he was of them and would light up when he mentioned their names.
David, he would speak of how you made him a better man by allowing him to help raise you. He also spoke of your love for the water and your passion for sailing.
Nick, you playing soccer getting your degree in Criminal Justice and kinda his mini John.
And Elaina, He would light up, more than most dads speaking of their daughters. He bragged and was incredibly proud about of your academic and athletic accomplishments.
Please Know how much your dad loves you all.
Gumby and Amy.. You are their rock, you two were with Vicki and Rief all the way during the toughest times. Thank you both!
I would speak and visit with him often, grabbing breakfast or lunch, or maybe a beer.
March Madness was special for our group of friends. We would watch-bet college basketball games and as much of an expert, Schoj, Gumby, me, and Rief were, we didn’t win much money….shocker
And of course our epic trip with Gumby, Mrs Gumby, Cheese and Mrs Cheese, Otis and Mrs Otis, Ped, Gabes, Mrs Gabes, to visit BP and his wife Numi and children, for his 60th birthday party, and Gasperilla in Tampa. Brian’s friends in Tampa, mentioned how happy he was that his boys from GC made the trip down for his party.
Brian was also instrumental in getting John into Moffet Cancer Center in Tampa for another opinion.
During this entire time, John never complained – He was just Rief. We would go all day and Rief was a total trooper.
But as tough as Rief was, Vicki was equally as tough.
When John became Ill, Vicki went into beast mode, taking total responsibility for getting John the best treatment.
Vicki never rested, never complained, and never wavered during his battle.
God bless you Vicki, and we love you for taking care of our boy Rief.
Vicki was the perfect partner for Rief. The voice of reason and maybe, just maybe, the brains and the looks of that relationship.
Well Rief, You fought the good fight. You will be missed, but never forgotten.
I met this amazing man in 11th grade, and we got along instantly.
We both loved basketball, drinking beer, and laughing.
John graduated from GCHS in 1982, and enrolled at RIT with Schoj, Ped, Mazz, and Ronnie Speziel
Whether during High School, College, or as 20’s -30’s-40’s something, we would play basketball almost daily at either Washington Irving, Edgerton Park, Cobbs Hill, the RIT bubble, that church in Gates, leagues all over the city, Teddy T 3 on 3, Rief’s back yard, Cheese’s back yard, or my back yard. Anywhere there was a game, we played.
Schoj, Gumby, Cheese, Dude, Mazz, Zaso, Kurt, Gabes, Ped, Timmy McGuiness, Mark Nigly, Brenen, Bernie, Cheese’s brothers, Mark and Kevin. And I apologize if I missed anyone.
Rief was that dependable shooter, passer, and rebounder.
But, as good of a basketball player he was, he was a better person.
We often visited each other at college. Him and Schoj at RIT where Schoj was a complete stud, scoring goals and kicking ass is soccer, Dave Wescott at Geneseo, Gumby at Fredonia, and me at MCC and Buffalo State.
And at all of those colleges we played basketball, drank beer, and laughed.
And in this close GC community, we were in each others weddings, around when their children were born, all the way through their high school graduations, and attended some of their weddings.
And although at times we weren’t in constant communication, due to some of us living out of town, it only took a phone call, or a visit and it was like we never missed a beat.
They say that most people only have a handful of friends like that. As you can see by the amount of people John touched, that didn’t apply to him.
He was raised by 2 wonderful parents, Jack and Nancy Riefer. They were friendly, kind, and always welcomed John’s friends for dinner, a beer, or a sleepover. So it’s no surprise he became the person that we all know.
His brothers Mike and Chis, although older, looked up to John.
Mike, John was so proud to be your brother, and I’ll never forget the times with you and John hanging at your parents house.
After he graduated RIT, he started his career in accounting at Xerox, and worked there for over 32 years.
During that time, he met his soulmate, Vicki. They fell in love and got Married.
He met his match with Vicki. Smart, tough, and compassionate.
They have 3 beautiful children.
David, Elania and Nick. He spoke all the time of how proud he was of them and would light up when he mentioned their names.
David, he would speak of how you made him a better man by allowing him to help raise you. He also spoke of your love for the water and your passion for sailing.
Nick, you playing soccer getting your degree in Criminal Justice and kinda his mini John.
And Elaina, He would light up, more than most dads speaking of their daughters. He bragged and was incredibly proud about of your academic and athletic accomplishments.
Please Know how much your dad loves you all.
Gumby and Amy.. You are their rock, you two were with Vicki and Rief all the way during the toughest times. Thank you both!
I would visit with John often, grabbing breakfast, lunch, or maybe a beer.
March Madness was special for our group of friends. We would watch-bet college basketball games and as much of an expert, Schoj, Gumby, me, and Rief were, we didn’t win much money….shocker
And of course our epic trip with Gumby, Mrs Gumby, Cheese and Mrs Cheese, Otis and Mrs Otis, Ped, Gabes, Mrs Gabes, to visit BP and his wife, and children, for his 60th birthday party and Gasparilla. Brian’s friends in Tampa, mentioned how happy he was that his boys from GC made the trip down for his party.
Brian was also instrumental in getting John into Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa for another opinion.
During this entire time, John never complained – He was just Rief. We would go all day and Rief was a total trooper.
But as tough as Rief was, Vicki was equally as tough.
When John became Ill, Vicki went into beast mode, taking total responsibility for getting John the best treatment.
Vicki never rested, never complained, and never wavered during his battle.
God bless you Vicki, and we love you for taking care of our boy Rief.
Vicki was the perfect partner for Rief. The voice of reason and maybe, just maybe, the brains and the looks of that relationship.
Well Rief, You fought the good fight. You will be missed, but never forgotten.
John (and Vicki) were the best next door neighbors anyone could ask for. Hearing John laugh was our favorite. He had such a kid-like wonder and joy that was infectious. When he laughed, everyone else did, too. Sitting by the basketball court with Vicki watching John and all the dads joining in for a game of pickup basketball or ice skating on their court made for belly laughter and an incredible neighborhood atmosphere with lasting memories.
One of my favorite memories was of John coming home from the hospital after Alayna was born to announce they had a baby girl. It was as if there was sunshine emanating from every cell in his body. We all cheered in the driveway and had the best hugs with him. He did the same when Nick was born. We feel so blessed to have shared in that sacred moment with him. His love for his kids was and I’m sure still is, palpable. The smile they brought to his face was unrivaled.
Watching John and Vicki joke with one another and how he could get her laughing the best belly laughs was so sweet. Their love for each other also lent them to an innate ability to kid with each other in a silly way that increased their love and adoration for one another. Their energy was infectious. And John’s laugh?? Truly the greatest of all-time!
John was also amazing at setting up euchre nights at their house. The competition was hilarious, yet fierce. Watching him take the tournament at one of those evenings makes me smile when I think about it. It was as if he just won the Price is Right showcase showdown. He was infinitely proud of himself and kidded with those of us that he had defeated in a way that made you glad he was the big winner.
I also loved it when we would both be out shoveling the driveway together and trying to figure out how to fit all of the snow onto our little strip of grass between ours. Which led to throwing the snow at each other. He always won that snow fight as I quickly waved the white flag. The man could load up a shovel like no other.
Sending healing light and love to all who had the great privilege of not only knowing John but also to be loved by him and fully loved in return. Especially his amazing family. (We love you all to the moon and back.) It is the gift he imparts to all of us. May we all pass that gift on to others. We will miss him dearly and are blessed to have had the honor to live next door.
Vicki,
I’m so sorry to see John’s passing. I remember him so fondly when we worked together at Xerox. He always had such a calm disposition, a sly smile on his face, such a good guy.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
May you find comfort in all the memories you have made during your life together.
God Bless,
Paula Bellavia
My thoughts are with you and your family –
From, The Price Family
“Brother” “Uncle”
“Husband”
“Dad”
I had the chance to meet John (and then Vicki) through Mark and Amy Gamble while visiting Rochester over the past decade. I’m so grateful we spent a memorable week together in Point Pleasant Beach this past summer. His warmth, humor and presence were deeply felt even in that short encounter. Through the many stories shared and the obvious love from friends and family around him, it’s easy to understand the kind of person he was.
To his Vicki, his family, and the many who called him a friend – I extend my deepest condolences. Rest in peace John.
We both loved basketball, drinking beer, and laughing.
John graduated from GCHS in 1982, and enrolled at RIT with Schoj, Ped, Mazz, and Ronnie Speziel
Whether during High School, College, or as 20’s -30’s-40’s something, we would play basketball almost daily at either Washington Irving, Edgerton Park, Cobbs Hill, the RIT bubble, that church in Gates, leagues all over the city, Teddy T 3 on 3, Riefs back yard, Cheese’s back yard, or my back yard. Anywhere there was a game, we played.
Schoj, Gumby, Cheese, Dude, Mazz, Zaso, Kurt, Gabes, Ped, Tiimmy McGuiness, Nigly, Brenen, Bernie, Cheese’s brothers, Mark and Kevin. And I apologize if I missed anyone.
Rief was that dependable shooter, passer, and rebounder.
But, as good of a basketball player he was, he was a better person.
We often visited each other at college. Him and Schoj at RIT where Schoj was a complete stud, scoring goals and kicking ass is soccer, Dave Wescott at Geneseo, Gumby at Fredonia, and me at MCC and Buffalo State.
And at all of those colleges we played basketball, drank beer, and laughed.
And in this close GC community, we were in each others weddings, around for the births of each others children, all the way through their high school graduations and some of their weddings.
And although at times we weren’t in constant communication, due to some of us living out of town. It only took a phone call, or a visit and it was like we never missed a beat.
They say that most people only have a handful of friends like that. As you can see by the amount of people attending today, that didn’t apply to Rief.
He was raised by 2 wonderful parents, Jack and Nancy Riefer. They were friendly, kind, and always welcomed John’s friends for dinner, a beer, or a sleepover. So it’s no surprise he became the person that we all know.
His brothers Mike and Chis, although older, looked up to John.
Mike, John was so proud to be your brother, and I’ll never forget the times with you and John hanging at your parents house.
After he graduated RIT, he started his career in accounting at Xerox, and worked there for over 32 years.
During that time, he met his soulmate, Vicki. They fell in love and got Married.
He met his match with Vicki. Smart, tough, and compassionate.
They have 3 beautiful children.
David, Elania and Nick. He spoke all the time of how proud he was of them and would light up when he mentioned their names.
David, he would speak of how you made him a better man by allowing him to help raise you. He also spoke of your love for the water and your passion for sailing.
Nick, you playing soccer getting your degree in Criminal Justice and kinda his mini John.
And Elaina, He would light up, more than most dads speaking of their daughters. He bragged and was incredibly proud about of your academic and athletic accomplishments.
Please Know how much your dad loves you all.
Gumby and Amy.. You are their rock, you two were with Vicki and Rief all the way during the toughest times. Thank you both!
I would speak and visit with him often, grabbing breakfast or lunch, or maybe a beer.
March Madness was special for our group of friends. We would watch-bet college basketball games and as much of an expert, Schoj, Gumby, me, and Rief were, we didn’t win much money….shocker
And of course our epic trip with Gumby, Mrs Gumby, Cheese and Mrs Cheese, Otis and Mrs Otis, Ped, Gabes, Mrs Gabes, to visit BP and his wife Numi and children, for his 60th birthday party, and Gasperilla in Tampa. Brian’s friends in Tampa, mentioned how happy he was that his boys from GC made the trip down for his party.
Brian was also instrumental in getting John into Moffet Cancer Center in Tampa for another opinion.
During this entire time, John never complained – He was just Rief. We would go all day and Rief was a total trooper.
But as tough as Rief was, Vicki was equally as tough.
When John became Ill, Vicki went into beast mode, taking total responsibility for getting John the best treatment.
Vicki never rested, never complained, and never wavered during his battle.
God bless you Vicki, and we love you for taking care of our boy Rief.
Vicki was the perfect partner for Rief. The voice of reason and maybe, just maybe, the brains and the looks of that relationship.
Well Rief, You fought the good fight. You will be missed, but never forgotten.
You can rest now buddy.
We Love you.
I met this amazing man in 11th grade, and we got along instantly.
We both loved basketball, drinking beer, and laughing.
John graduated from GCHS in 1982, and enrolled at RIT with Schoj, Ped, Mazz, and Ronnie Speziel
Whether during High School, College, or as 20’s -30’s-40’s something, we would play basketball almost daily at either Washington Irving, Edgerton Park, Cobbs Hill, the RIT bubble, that church in Gates, leagues all over the city, Teddy T 3 on 3, Rief’s back yard, Cheese’s back yard, or my back yard. Anywhere there was a game, we played.
Schoj, Gumby, Cheese, Dude, Mazz, Zaso, Kurt, Gabes, Ped, Timmy McGuiness, Mark Nigly, Brenen, Bernie, Cheese’s brothers, Mark and Kevin. And I apologize if I missed anyone.
Rief was that dependable shooter, passer, and rebounder.
But, as good of a basketball player he was, he was a better person.
We often visited each other at college. Him and Schoj at RIT where Schoj was a complete stud, scoring goals and kicking ass is soccer, Dave Wescott at Geneseo, Gumby at Fredonia, and me at MCC and Buffalo State.
And at all of those colleges we played basketball, drank beer, and laughed.
And in this close GC community, we were in each others weddings, around when their children were born, all the way through their high school graduations, and attended some of their weddings.
And although at times we weren’t in constant communication, due to some of us living out of town, it only took a phone call, or a visit and it was like we never missed a beat.
They say that most people only have a handful of friends like that. As you can see by the amount of people John touched, that didn’t apply to him.
He was raised by 2 wonderful parents, Jack and Nancy Riefer. They were friendly, kind, and always welcomed John’s friends for dinner, a beer, or a sleepover. So it’s no surprise he became the person that we all know.
His brothers Mike and Chis, although older, looked up to John.
Mike, John was so proud to be your brother, and I’ll never forget the times with you and John hanging at your parents house.
After he graduated RIT, he started his career in accounting at Xerox, and worked there for over 32 years.
During that time, he met his soulmate, Vicki. They fell in love and got Married.
He met his match with Vicki. Smart, tough, and compassionate.
They have 3 beautiful children.
David, Elania and Nick. He spoke all the time of how proud he was of them and would light up when he mentioned their names.
David, he would speak of how you made him a better man by allowing him to help raise you. He also spoke of your love for the water and your passion for sailing.
Nick, you playing soccer getting your degree in Criminal Justice and kinda his mini John.
And Elaina, He would light up, more than most dads speaking of their daughters. He bragged and was incredibly proud about of your academic and athletic accomplishments.
Please Know how much your dad loves you all.
Gumby and Amy.. You are their rock, you two were with Vicki and Rief all the way during the toughest times. Thank you both!
I would visit with John often, grabbing breakfast, lunch, or maybe a beer.
March Madness was special for our group of friends. We would watch-bet college basketball games and as much of an expert, Schoj, Gumby, me, and Rief were, we didn’t win much money….shocker
And of course our epic trip with Gumby, Mrs Gumby, Cheese and Mrs Cheese, Otis and Mrs Otis, Ped, Gabes, Mrs Gabes, to visit BP and his wife, and children, for his 60th birthday party and Gasparilla. Brian’s friends in Tampa, mentioned how happy he was that his boys from GC made the trip down for his party.
Brian was also instrumental in getting John into Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa for another opinion.
During this entire time, John never complained – He was just Rief. We would go all day and Rief was a total trooper.
But as tough as Rief was, Vicki was equally as tough.
When John became Ill, Vicki went into beast mode, taking total responsibility for getting John the best treatment.
Vicki never rested, never complained, and never wavered during his battle.
God bless you Vicki, and we love you for taking care of our boy Rief.
Vicki was the perfect partner for Rief. The voice of reason and maybe, just maybe, the brains and the looks of that relationship.
Well Rief, You fought the good fight. You will be missed, but never forgotten.
You can rest now buddy.
We Love you.
Otis
One of my favorite memories was of John coming home from the hospital after Alayna was born to announce they had a baby girl. It was as if there was sunshine emanating from every cell in his body. We all cheered in the driveway and had the best hugs with him. He did the same when Nick was born. We feel so blessed to have shared in that sacred moment with him. His love for his kids was and I’m sure still is, palpable. The smile they brought to his face was unrivaled.
Watching John and Vicki joke with one another and how he could get her laughing the best belly laughs was so sweet. Their love for each other also lent them to an innate ability to kid with each other in a silly way that increased their love and adoration for one another. Their energy was infectious. And John’s laugh?? Truly the greatest of all-time!
John was also amazing at setting up euchre nights at their house. The competition was hilarious, yet fierce. Watching him take the tournament at one of those evenings makes me smile when I think about it. It was as if he just won the Price is Right showcase showdown. He was infinitely proud of himself and kidded with those of us that he had defeated in a way that made you glad he was the big winner.
I also loved it when we would both be out shoveling the driveway together and trying to figure out how to fit all of the snow onto our little strip of grass between ours. Which led to throwing the snow at each other. He always won that snow fight as I quickly waved the white flag. The man could load up a shovel like no other.
Sending healing light and love to all who had the great privilege of not only knowing John but also to be loved by him and fully loved in return. Especially his amazing family. (We love you all to the moon and back.) It is the gift he imparts to all of us. May we all pass that gift on to others. We will miss him dearly and are blessed to have had the honor to live next door.