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John Gilmore Obituary

John E. Gilmore John E. Gilmore, 50, of 2703 Liberty Street, Erie, died Friday, March 27, 2009 at his residence. Born July 7, 1958 in Erie, he was a son of J. Richard “Dick” Gilmore of Lake City and the late Charlotte Ellsworth Gilmore Gruver. John was a 1976 graduate of Girard High School and then graduated from Edinboro University in 1995. He worked as the Program Director for many years at the Glenwood YMCA and was the former owner of Gruver’s Castings in Lake City. John was an avid bicyclist, sports enthusiast and enjoyed working with kids at the YMCA. John was preceded in death by his mother Charlotte Ellsworth Gilmore Gruver in 1982. In addition to his father, he is survived by his wife Debra S. Billings Gilmore of Fairview, two brothers: Robert T. Gilmore and his wife Theresa and Scott L. Gilmore, all of Lake City; two nieces: Jessica Billings Koop and her husband Adam of Carmi, Ill., and Deadra Billings Clement and her husband Steve of Forest, Va.; and two nephews: Joshua R. Gilmore of Philadelphia and Jason Billings and his wife Taylor of Carmi, Ill. Also surviving are his father and mother-in-law Reverend Harold and Betty Billings of Girard. Friends may call at the Burton Funeral Home, 525 Main Street East in Girard on Monday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. and on Tuesday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. A funeral service will be held in Burton’s All Faiths’ Chapel on Wednesday at 11 a.m. with Rev. Al Detter of Grace Church officiating. Burial will follow at Girard Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Erie County Diabetes Association, 1128 State Street, Suite 302, Erie, PA 16501. You may send flowers and condolences at www.burtonfuneralhome.com. Sign the guestbook at www.GoErie.com/obits

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Published by Erie Times-News from Mar. 29 to Mar. 30, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for John Gilmore

Not sure what to say?





Michael Maldonado

April 28, 2009

John made me want to be a better dad, a better boyfriend, a better future husband, a better person, and embrace children. Selfless people like John are a rarity and anyone that was lucky enough to know this man know that he was a true gift to this world. Even though I did not know John for very long I only wish I had an ounce of the compassion that he possessed. You will be missed very very much.

Art Scholtz

April 18, 2009

Debbie and Bob,

I'm so sorry to hear about John's death. Please accept my deepest condolences.

Ann Marie, Amanda and Jessie

April 11, 2009

John will be greatly missed. He touched many lives and had such a loving and caring attitude toward all. His smile will be greatly missed by all. He was the face that welcomed many to the Glenwood Park YMCA. Thank you John for all you have done - thank you for being you!

The King Family

April 10, 2009

You have made an impression on so many lives, brought up so many spirits, encouraged kids, adults, etc. You are truely going to missed by so many....The Y will never be the same.

Renae Rickard

April 7, 2009

Debra and the Gilmore Family,
I was saddened when my family called and told me the news of John's death. My sympathies to you and the family. As I read what others wrote about John and how he affected everyones lives in recent years it reminded me of how he lived his life 30+ years ago when we were friends in high school. The warm smile, yes, it was always there then too. Always words of encourgement and understanding. We will all take away something special that John always made each one of us feel.

Russ & Gail Teribery

April 7, 2009

Bob, Theresa & Josh,

Our deepest sympathies go out to you all. May you find comfort in family & friends in the difficult days ahead. We will keep you in our prayers,

Carolyn Finnegan

April 5, 2009

I first walked into the Y when I was 4 years old with my mom who just got a job there. She walked into Johns office and introduced me to him. I was so shy when i was younger, but something about his smile and how he was so nice to me and my mom made me comfortable when i was around him. i soon became really close with him and begged my mom to go to the Y just to see him, and walk around the Y with him.
John got me into YMCA sports program, and i was always in it from then on. He soon introduced me to a very nice person named Erica, who became my coach for soccer. We became very close, and spent alot of our time together, now i consider her family and i would do anything for her or her amazing daughter cassie. I now live down the street from Erica, her fiance Mike and her daughter cassie and his son mason. and I go over every day.
John was the nicest person I have ever met, and inspired me to do alot of things. I am who i am today mainly because of the impact John made on my life.I am now playing Soccer for the Y, fileing to be a reff for the youth sports at the Y, I help coach, and I love playing sports Thanks to John. Anyone who knew him he was a great person, and no one will every be able to take his place. He touched alot of peoples lives, and will be greatly missed.
John had a sense of humor no one could bring down, even in his situation. he deticated his life to helping others, and making the Y a better more fun place to be. He always encouraged me to do things i never thought i would be able to do like sports. and to study hard and make sure i had good grades. i learned my study skills from him, and i still use them today.
He was a mentor to anyone and everyone he met. You could go to him with any problem, or issue without him judging you, or being mean or thinking any less of you. You would be so comfortable around him, and his smile just made you feel 10 times better then you did before..
it will never be the same without him. I went to the Y today. I walked to his office and sat right there and thought about all the great times and how much of an impact he had on everyone.I got my soccer shirt today.. Cardinal color, with johns initials on it in memory of him. I took the time and read all the prayers people from the Y left him. and it made me think no one should ever take life for granit, never waste time, and make the best out of every situation. thats when i decided i wanted to live my life the way John lived his. Happy no matter what, and Helping anyone and everyone out if they need it in a way words can't explain.
i miss you john and thank you for everything you have done for us. I will continue to play sports and i want to dedicate my life to helping people and working with sports at the Y one way or another.

Erica

April 3, 2009

When I first met John Gilmore seven years ago I was a young single mother of a special needs girl. I walked into the YMCA hoping to get Cassie involved in activities that would help her physically, mentally, and emotionally. Going to the Y that day was the best decsion I ever made.
John happened to be at the front desk when I acquired about youth programs, spoke with me personally about my concerns of Cassie's needs. I asked if there was any way I could be with her when she started because I was nervous about a coach not understanding her differences and how she would respond in her first group activity. He suggested that I coach. I looked at him like he was crazy. I had never worked with kids before. I was the baby in my family before Cassie was born. But John just had this way about him, made people comfortable and believed everyone had the ability to do the things that he does for the kids. I agreed to assistant coach and eventually was head coach for Cassie's sports.
Cassie was very hesitant to play in her games at first. She would sit on the side in her YMCA t-shirt and clap for her teammates. Then one Saturday John asked after half-time if she would go on the court with him. He managed to blend himself in with the kids and give Cassie the confidence she needed. She began participating for the first time and was so exceited. Now she can't wait to play and is quite the sports enthusiast.
While I was coaching and becoming close friends with John I began to learn so much more about myself. I loved being around all the kids and began to see, just as John already did, how special each and every one of them are.
He introduced me to another kid who was special to him, one of his co-worker's daughters that spent a lot of time with him at the Y. Her name is Carolyn. She was and is an awesome girl. Soon I was coaching her team too. I met her mother who John said was a great, strong mother of four incredible children, all who he was very close to. Carolyn, Rachel, Justyn and their baby sister Kamri were all special to John as he was to them. And these people that John brought into my life are truly my joy. They are now what I consider to be family and cannot imagine my life without them. John would smile his big wonderful smile every time I walked in with all my kids. He knew how much I loved them and he loved me for that.
I was always happy when I was with John. If I ever came to him with a problem by the time we were done talking life was always better. His friendship is irreplaceable. We would go to the peninsula, out to eat, rollerblading or just talk about our lives, talk about everything and anything. You could say whatever you were thinking to John. There was always encouragement and never judgment. He gave me so much strength. With his kindness and support he helped me get through nursing school. He would play with Cassie so I could study or just be there when I needed a break. When I had my doubts he would be there, telling me he knew I had made the right choice and would be an excellent nurse. And I do love my profession, could never do anything else. I want to continue to strive to make a difference in peoples' lives just as John did. He made a difference to everyone who knew him.
John was there for me wehn I was ill, he was there to help me celebrate graduating and even took me to buy my first new car. With his amazing patience he taught me how to drive a manual transmission and showed me how to detail a car. He loved Cassie so much and would do anything for her. The genuine concern for what she had already overcome and what hurdles she would be facing with her health in the future were evident. He wanted to make sure she was able to do anything she wanted to do. He taught her how to play basketball and just made her feel like she was the best. She loved when he would ride his bike over and even let the kids name his bikes.
A few years ago when spring soccer was almost over Cassie (with her love of Y sports) asked what sport was next. At the time there was no scheduled summer sport, so we talked about it and decided kickball would be fun. So John organized the details and again spent more dedicated hours adding another opportunity for all the kids to enjoy YMCA sports.
He helped me see what is important in life. He supported me in my relationships and was truly happy for me that I found love and will soon be married to a wonderful man. Many of the qualities that Mike loves about me are things that John inspired in me. And when we were first dating Mike thought I was a little crazy for constantly having all the kids around, but soon grew to love them and is a special part of their lives too. The goodness that started with John spreads. Mike's son Mason was three when we met, and I love him dearly. And of course John became a part of his life too. I started taking Mason to the Y so he could experience the great things John created there. We knew it would take patience to get Mason to focus, very energetic little boy but also a littly shy when it came to participating in sports. John worked his magic and introduced him to all the fun activities in his Mighty Mites class.
He showed care and resect for all the people he worked with at the Y. When I needed a babysitter for Cassie he knew just who to ask. Breanne and Rich are now too a special part of Cassie's life and great friends of mine. All the children in his youth programs he would greet by name, makiing all of them feel special. There are also all the teenagers he would be involved with, showing them examples of goodness and kindness through his ways, helping to form good men and women in our world. Carolyn is now 14 and a sweet, thoughtful inspired young woman. She has volunteered with me to coach and also has a great impact on peoples' lives. She is always kind and helpful to younger kids, especially my daughter and her siblings who look up to her. I know she will always remember the person John was and the influence he had on our lives.
These are just a few of the memories that I have of this amazing gift God gave us in John. I'm sure all that knew him have their own special memories of the way he touched their lives. That was just who he was. His smile lit up any room; it was a true example of how a simple smile can change how a person is feeling.
John you are an inspiration. We all love you and will miss you terribly, but know that your life lives on through all that you've touched.

Christina May

April 2, 2009

John was not only my best friend but he was the best coach and mentor anyone could ever ask for.. he will always touch childrens lives. he will never be forgotten. HE WAS MR. YMCA!!!! ? I LOVE YOU JOHN YOUR ALWAYS GOING TO BE IN MY PRAYERS..
i LOVE YOU- CHRISTINA (CJ)?

Dan, Marie, Eric and Stevie Lewis

April 2, 2009

John,
Thank you for being part of our family's life. We will miss you terribly and we know you will always be watching from above. You are the most patient person in the world and you are more special than I think you ever knew. You touched so many lives in a positive way, you really made a difference in many, many lives. It is very hard to look around the Y and not see you, we expect you to walk down the stairs at any time. You are leaving a great void and our hearts do ache because we miss you so. Thank you for kindness, it will never be forgotten. You make a perfect Angel, John. God Bless You.

Rob Ives

April 1, 2009

A few weeks ago I had a conversation with John in the weight room about our diabetes struggles. He said he had never felt better. There is no way to ensure longer life. We are all allowed to do what God allows. What seems so amazing to me is how blessed were so many through his life. I just got to know him and he was good to my boy in mighty mites. I am sad I did not know him better. Thank you John for being who you are.

YMCA FAMILY

April 1, 2009

As a co worker of John's he was truly the heart and soul of Glenwood YMCA. John was a man of words. he always knew what to tell you when your day just wasnt going right. He inspired me to be who i am today. With out John i think i would still be stuck deciding on what to go to college for. We love you and miss you greatly

Stacie Seneta Bissell

April 1, 2009

John was one of my coaches in 7th and 8th grade basketball. He continued to help out and support the The Girard Girls Basketball Team as I went through the program. He always had a smile. John was a very thoughtful and caring person that did anything for anyone. One of my fondest memories is when John took 4 of us to Cleveland to see the New Kids On The Block in concert. It was something he didn't have to do, but wanted to. That was just the kind of caring and thoughtful person he was. I feel fortunate to have had him be a part of my life. John will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you!

stephanie weaver

April 1, 2009

John, I never minded removing my earphones to chat with you when I saw you coming to talk in the weight room. I just wish I could see you again, its going to be weird without you there. and hey, I hope the roads in heaven are dry and salt-free for your "eternal ride". you will be missed !!!

Colleen (Dion) Shanafelt

March 31, 2009

I have fond memories of John helping us to be a better basketball team in the early '90s. He was always willing to give his time to us and to push us a little harder. I am sorry to hear that the world has lost a man who so enjoyed helping kids. Colleen (Dion) Shanafelt, GHS Class of '92

Ellie Corritore

March 31, 2009

I worked with John at the Glenwood Y. He always had a smile and a friendly greeting when you saw him. Just running into him brightened my day. He was truly a GOOD person and that is rare!The Y will never be the same without him and is a great place because of him. I not only grieve for the loss of him but for those who will never know John Gilmore!

Dave, Lorrie, Josh, & Cam Iszkula

March 31, 2009

Dick, Bob, Theresa, Josh, and Scott: We are so sorry to hear of John's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Vicki Coy

March 31, 2009

John was a great co-worker, supervisor, mentor and most of all friend and encourager. Even after I left the YMCA we remained close and he always held a dear place in my heart. He encouraged and motivated me during some very rocky times and I him. When I ride my bike this summer it will be hard not to think of him and his dedication to the YMCA, Sports and to the youth of the community.
My goal this summer and for the years to come is to ride a century in honor of John Gilmore!

Emily Lander

March 31, 2009

We never expect to loose the ones we love so dear or when God is ready to take them. John has left us with great memories as well as hope and strength for the future. To Family and Friends, I know our hearts are filled with sorrow now but the Lord will strengthen us through tough times. John will be dearly missed by all of us at the Glenwood YMCA

Toni Harmon

March 31, 2009

My thoughts and prayers go out to the Gilmore family. When I started working at the YMCA in 1996 I remember John teaching me to drive the 15 passenger van.It was long a long vehicle but John used his kind words of encouragement saying that I can drive it. John always came in with smiles. He inspired alot of children at the YMCA and all that I seen he was loved by all, children and co-workers. Even though I no longer work at the YMCA I do know he will be missed by everyone. He put his heart and soul into his work and the people in it. John, you were very much loved and will be very much missed.

Dawn

March 31, 2009

My sincere sympathies to John’s family. I am sure the gates of heaven are open wide for John Gilmore. Living the life of Christ comes down to one thing, the Golden Rule. John knew this. He treated everyone special, from the oldest to the youngest. He made everyone feel valuable. He genuinely enjoyed working with kids and they knew it. He touched countless lives over the years and made a difference in our families. When I would watch John interact with kids, it really made me proud to be a part of the Y. The Y will never be the same without John; his memory will live on in each of us who have had the privilege of spending even the smallest amount of time with him. I am very saddened by your loss and be certain that your loss is shared by all of us who knew him.

God Bless.

Mark Denise and Jessica Tarasovitch

March 31, 2009

John was an inspiration to all who walked through the doors of the Glenwood Y. His postive attitude was infectious. For many of our children he was the first coach they ever had. How forturnate they were. John leaves behind a generation of atheletes- to- be who were priveleged to call him "Coach John". Thank you, John and God bless you.

Mitch & Terri Claypoole

March 31, 2009

Bob, Theresa, & Josh: We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to you and your family. We love you guys!!

Debbie Anderson

March 31, 2009

Our Glenwood Park YMCA family has been truly blessed to have John as our brother. He will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered. "The world has lost a beautiful person but, Heaven has gained one great soul."

Jen Neely

March 31, 2009

I have known John for the past 5 years through Glenwood YMCA, where my children are involved in multiple sports. We were very saddened when we heard that he was lost. John always had a conversation with us at every practice. Going to the Y is not the same. We will all miss him very much. Every night during bedtime prayers, my children ask for God to watch over him. My condolences to the Gilmore family.

Katherine Lange

March 31, 2009

John made a huge impact on our lives. He warmly welcomed my children into the YMCA family and alway's spoke to each of us by name. Our son Christian had the opportunity to be coached by John and encouraged by him. He deeply touched our lives and those of the many children he taught. We will miss John Gilmore. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family. What a incredible man! We Love you John! Katherine, Jon, Jonathan & Christian Lange

Jennalee Whittingham

March 31, 2009

I have known John since I was little. Over the years he became one of my very dearest friends. He always made me smile and words cannot express how much he will be missed. Being at the YMCA will not be the same. John was such a wonderful and caring person. I have lived away from Erie for two years and saw him Thursday for the first time since I moved. I am so glad I got to talk to him and give him a big hug. My condolences to his family.

lindsey farrell

March 30, 2009

to the gilmore family,
my thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time... john had a heart of gold and it was so beautiful to see his love for each and every one of the children and families he came to know through the ymca. it was so nice to see his smile at all the kids games and how he would stop to talk to the kids and us parents ! thank you ... what a wonderful man ! you will be missed!
with many love and prayers ,
lindsey, hunter and cheyenne farrell

Tom Myers

March 30, 2009

John will be sorely missed by all of the YMCA of Greater Erie and most importantly, by all of the children and parents whose lives he so warmly, positively and unforgettably touched. He was an inspiration in the truest sense. His passion for the YMCA mission and our youth was palpable . He spent his life doing what he loved and it showed. Carry on John. Keep up the good work!!

Denise Dunbar

March 30, 2009

John was the heart and soul of the Glenwood YMCA. He was always there to greet the members with a friendly "Hello", and always made small talk. John will be deeply missed, but his memory will go on for the many lives he has touched. My condolences go out to his family.

Carol Showers

March 30, 2009

My children and I have known John for about 8 years. This news was so sudden and hard to grasp. Words cannot explain how much John will be missed around the Y.My deepest sympathy from my family to yours.He was a wonderful human being with a heart of gold. My children looked up to him. We could always depend on that warm hello every time we saw him at the kids games or just seeing him behind the front desk. We will miss you John. May you rest in peace and may God bless you.John you will stay in the hearts of many families that you have touched of the many years at YMCA.You are one of God's angels.

Dan Yonko

March 30, 2009

Our deepest sympathies, prayers, and best wishes to the entire Gilmore family. I had the pleasure of calling John my co-worker and friend while a part of the Glenwood YMCA family. John not only believed in the mission and values of the YMCA, he ate, slept, and breathed them every day of his life. He is one of the best people I have known in my long career with the YMCA. I will fondly remember our tennis matches at Frontier Park, playing racquetball at the YMCA, and our many talks about Penn State football.

Our loss is heaven's gain. I am sure he is hitting the trails with all the enthusiasm he has.

God Bless. He will be truly missed.

Dan, Sarah, and Samantha Yonko

Yvonne McCray-Cervone

March 30, 2009

I was deeply saddened to learn of John's death.We were friends in college and if it were not for his encouragement and mentoring me through my freshman year I might have given up.He was a good friend ready to offer up support and he always had time to listen.We had lost contact after he graduated but I am not at all surprised to see how successful he has become and how many lives he has touched through the years.I will always remember how he contributed to my success.My condolences go out to his family .

Sharon and Trevor Black

March 30, 2009

I wish we could be there to say good bye. You will be missed more then you will ever know. You were a true friend.

B

Shelly Stancliff

March 30, 2009

Words can not explain how John will be missed. Everytime you walked in the YMCA, John was there with a warm smile and a friendly "Hello". His encouragement towards the children, no matter what age was unbelievable. I have been volunteering coaching (soccer, kickball, basketball)for about 7 years and my children playing years before I coached. John has watched them grown up and help them become what they are today. My oldest son and a few others were becoming to old for the youth programs and John did not want to lose the spirt of the kids, so he put together a teen program just for them. The YMCA will never be the same without you. John you will be missed and in our hearts forever...

Shelly, Michael, Jesse, Dalton and Xander

JILL FAULKNER

March 30, 2009

To the family of John, I wanted to express my sincerest sympathy to you. To lose someone like John must be an incredible loss. He was such a high energy and positive thinking man. He supported me in my loss two years ago of my son (4 years old) we had talked in detail about and expressed his support in whatever I needed and was there if I needed him. He is now up there with my son and many other great people. He will be missed by all the lives he has touched in so many ways. Always remember him that way and u will never lose him.

JILL FAULKNER
BEAUTIWORKS

Josh Gilmore

March 30, 2009

I just wanted to take a moment to thank everyone for their condolences and kind words about my Uncle John. He truly was a great man, and my family and I are very glad to see that he was able to touch so many lives in his relatively short time with us. John greatly cherished the time he spent working with the kids at the Y. He will truly be missed.

John & Tammy Knorr

March 30, 2009

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Kelly Austin and Family

March 30, 2009

With Friendship, Love, and Loyalty - our YMCA will never be the same.

Lori Lewis

March 30, 2009

I have worked with John at the Glenwood YMCA for over 10 years. The Professional Staff are a tight knit group. We have shared many laughs and now we share many tears as we have lost a member of our family. There is no better organization to work for than the YMCA of Greater Erie - we are family. John commented often that we are a family: staff and members. John always had a kind and gentle personality. He never voiced a negative comment about anyone. When a child/teen would misbehave at the YMCA, John would pull them aside and mentor them and give them a second chance. He is truly the nicest person I have ever met. The YMCA will not be the same without him, but he has left his mark on this building and the people that have passed through these doors. John - thank you for all that you have done and all that you gave to the YMCA. Your YMCA family misses you terribly! I hope they have some great bike trails in heaven! Rest in peace.

Karen B

March 30, 2009

My kids loved "Coach John" and his enthusiasm for sports. His ability to remember the names of all the kids involved at the Y was amazing. He will be truly missed - my 6 years old son said "The Y will probably shut down without Coach John." He will be missed. Our prayers are with you.

Tammy & Jackie Mitchell

March 30, 2009

My condolences to all who knew John. He was a happy man who offered encouragement to both me and my daughter over the last ten years at the Glenwood Y. It just won't be same walking into the place without him.!!

Renee, Alec, Peter, & Alexander Lamis

March 30, 2009

The Glenwood YMCA is not going to be the same without John. We just can't believe he's gone. Our boys have done soccer, kickball, swimming, mighty mites, basketball, and hockey, and he always said hi to them, by name. The one constant in our last four years at the Y was always John's smiling face. On Friday night, when he wasn't there to bring us the T-shirts, it just didn't seem right. And, at the games this past Saturday, it just seemed like something was missing. John was always there to make sure that everyone was in the right place at the right time and had everything they needed so that everything could run smoothly. His congenial nature, dedication, and attention to detail was appreciated by all. He made you feel that he was happy to see you, and as a result, immeasurably enhanced all Y activities he directed. He truly made a difference in the lives of the people he touched, and he will be sadly missed.

Chris DiTullio

March 30, 2009

I had the pleasure of knowing and working with John at the YMCA. He was a great guy who always had a pleasant thing to say about everyone. He will be missed by all that were fortunate enough to know him. My condolences go out to his family.

Charles Taylor

March 30, 2009

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Bryan Delio

March 30, 2009

I am saddened to hear of Johns' passing. I was fortunate to have gotten to ride with him during my first year on the Strong Kids Bike Tour. John was a great guy and will surely be missed. My condolences.

Nicole Vommaro

March 30, 2009

John was truly an all around wonderful guy! He will be missed by many - RIP.
Nicole & Mike Vommaro

Brian Sheldon

March 30, 2009

John was always quick with a "Hello" and greeting, and I will always appreciate his efforts in getting me to coach for indoor soccer - it's the small things that made John a truly great guy. My deepest sympathies to his family and friends.

Corey Wolff

March 30, 2009

I've worked at the Eastside YMCA for nearly 7 years, doing a job similar to John's (with sports). I never had the pleasure of actually meeting him face-to-face in my tenure, but I had many communications with him via e-mail or phone calls. Whether it be him giving me some hints/tips on situations, or supplying me with ideas for running new leagues or how to improve leagues and even just when we would talk to figure out what we wanted rates to be. He was always very nice to me and was a very compromising man. one time i had a question for him that was pretty important that I sent via e-mail later in the night... told him to respond the next day whenever he could, he actually called me on my cell phone a few mins later to make sure he gave me the info I needed. This showed me what a great person he was. I also know many GLY members/participants never once heard anything negative about the man.

John, I may not have ever met you face-to-face, but you've made an impact on my life any many others and will be sadly, but truly missed.

Condolences and best wishes to John's family and friends. God Bless!

Laurie

March 29, 2009

John was the heart and soul of the Glenwood YMCA! He encouraged my 2 children to play soccer & basketball at a very young age,they are now 17,I know John influenced them in MANY ways,as he did everyday during his time with us...The Y will not be the same without walking in seeing his smile,hearing him say good evening,or good night,or how are you....such a kind,gentle hearted person.My deepest sympathy goes out to Johns' family,as well as his co-workers at the Ymca....Remember to keep his spirit alive through you everyday,that is what he would want you to do.....HE WILL BE GREATLY MISSED!!!!!!

March 29, 2009

I am very saddened to find out tonight that John has moved on to a better place! He has watched my dtr.grow and encouraged me for the last ten years. He IS THE HEART of the Glenwood Y as many others have said and my dtr. Jackie and myself will truly miss seing his smile and hearing his friendly voice we visit the gym!!

Amy Meola

March 29, 2009

John was such a friendly, upbeat person who touched so many lives. He greeted everyone at the YMCA with his contageous smile. He did a wonderful job running the youth sports programs at Glenwood which our kids have participated in for the last several years. He was very dedicated to the kids and the coaches and always made sure their games were more fun than competitive. We missed having him hand out our newest team shirts last Friday and him checking in on the Saturday games. He will be fondly remembered, but very sadly missed by our family.
Amy & Rob Meola & kids

March 29, 2009

Deb,
We just saw John in the past few weeks...he was the same jovial person that we were used to. He always had a big smile and warm "hello" for us. So very sorry to hear of his passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

With deepest sympathies,
Vera and Ron

Elizabeth Gibbons

March 29, 2009

My children have done swimming, basketball, soccer, and hockey at the YMCA for the past few years and I don't remember a single time that John was not smiling or saying hello to fellow members. He was such a caring, friendly person and will be deeply missed. He really put his heart into his work and the YMCA will never be the same. God Bless you John and rest in peace.

Eric Watters

March 29, 2009

Scott.......very very sorry to read of your brothers passing. Hang in there and feel free to reach out if there is anything I can do.

Bree Gorczycki

March 29, 2009

Words can not describe the pain and sorrow that we are feeling at this time. John was and will forever be the Heart & Soul of the Glenwood YMCA!!! He WELCOMED all w/ open arms & made all feel as we were one big happy family, even if he had just met you. I am very honored to have had the chance to meet such a GREAT man!!!! He will be truly missed by everyone he touched. Thank U John for all you have done for the children & families of the YMCA, you made me part of a family, and my family Thanks U for that!!! As the Soccer session started Saturday, not to hear John’s voice was a sad day for me, as will we all feel more of those days to come as we enter not to see his cheerful face, or that “Good Morning” or “Afternoon to You”. Rest in Peace Mr. John. My family offers our condolences to his wife & family.

Bree Gorczycki
Youth Coach

Demond & Darius Ramsey
Donovan Crockett
Program participants

Brenda Moller

March 29, 2009

As members of the YMCA, we knew John because of the kids sports programs. He was always so happy and genuinely seemed to love his job. He will be greatly missed!

chuck broad

March 29, 2009

He always had that smile that made everything seem a little better.

The Gryncewicz Family

March 29, 2009

John was such a big part of the YMCA and was always there to lend a hand to anyone who needed it. He will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family.

Elkovitch Family

March 29, 2009

Things will never be the same-he watched my children grow up,becaming Nicholas'boss for refereeing.WE WILL MISS YOU

gery nietupski

March 29, 2009

John was a true gentleman and a real friend. Words cannot adaquetely express our sorrow at his untimely passing.He will truly be missed by those whose life he touched. Our sincerest condolences to Deb and the rest of the Gilmore family. John will live on in our hearts as long as we remember his gentle soul.With deepest sympathy,Gery, Lisa and Anabelle Nietupski

Ryan Enterline

March 29, 2009

John will be missed as a great friend and mentor for me. He will always be a hero to this community with the generosity and kindness he showed us all.

Melissa Helminski

March 29, 2009

John was a wonderful friend who would do just about anything for anyone. I will miss him dearly.

Jill Beach

March 29, 2009

You have truely done your part in making the world a better place while you were here. You had a positive impact on so many lives and you will never be forgotton.

Jeannette Mozur-Castorina

March 29, 2009

Bob & Theresa & Josh: I'm so sorry for your loss. Even though we have not seen each other for a while, does not diminish feelings for friends. We'll say a prayer for you & your family. May he rest in Peace. Jeannette & Mitch

Howard and Jean Friedman

March 29, 2009

John was the heart of the Glenwood YMCA children's programs. He knew every child by name, he coached and encouraged them in such a positive and upbeat manner and they all looked up to him. As grandparents, we watched our grandchildren grow and gain confidence under his direction. We are deeply saddened by his death and offer our sincere sympathy.

Debbie Steves

March 29, 2009

My children played soccer and basketball at the Glenwood Y and John was always visible greeting members and making sure that every child found their team on the first days of practice. I could tell that he truly loved his job and cared about each person that walked through the door. We will miss that personal attention. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.

Lindsey Girod

March 29, 2009

You were a great co worker and you were the heart and soul of the YMCA. You will be miss by many. Rest in peace John

Nancy Jo Foor

March 29, 2009

Glenwood won't be the same without you.
May you rest in peace.

mike & john

March 29, 2009

John you will be forevere in our hearts

Showing 1 - 70 of 70 results

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