Deceased April 3, 2021
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In Memory
John’s devoted wife of 65 years, Eleanor (“Ellie”), wants “to convey the caring, loving, warm man that John was. He was an honest, warmhearted husband and father. He devoted his life to education and young people.” At his death, “many cards came from former students and friends who still remember how John was so interested in their hopes and dreams.”
After Amherst, John moved to New York State to earn a master’s degree in education from Syracuse University, began teaching biology at Williamson Central School and then served as the principal at Whitney Point Central School from 1960 to 1987.
A man of many interests, John enjoyed “golfing, boating, woodworking and camping in the Adirondacks.” He sang with the Finger Lakes Chorale and in the choir as a longtime member of the local Congregational church, where he also served as moderator. A member of the Rotary Club for more than 50 years, he was active with its college scholarship program. He was the cubmaster for Cub Scout Pack 169.
In his retirement from schooling, John enjoyed his part-time job with Avis, shuttling cars between airports, especially because he made many friends with colleagues and gathered with them for lunch.
John, born in Syracuse, N.Y., grew up in Cortland, N.Y., and prepared for Amherst at Cortland High School. He majored in biology, played basketball and joined Theta Delta Chi and the Christian Association.
John died on April 3, 2021, and leaves his wife, Ellie; daughters Leslie (Roger) and Karen; sons Geoffrey and Christopher (Alana); and five grandchildren.
Eleanor Rugg with George Edmonds ’53