John Fredrick Glace

1964 - 2025

Glace,

John Fredrick

March 11, 1964 - October 20, 2025

John was born in Buffalo, NY, on March 11, 1964, and raised by the late Alice (Casper) Glace and Robert Glace Sr. in nearby Orchard Park. He was a standout athlete at Orchard Park High School, lettering in both basketball and football throughout his years there. His success on the gridiron continued at Hobart College, where he was a four-year starter and a varsity captain. Off the field, he was active in Greek life. He served as President of the Kappa Sigma fraternity and maintained decades-long friendships with his brothers and football teammates. In 1986, he graduated with an interdisciplinary Bachelor of Arts degree. In 1989, John married Celeste (Lesniewski), a fellow Buffalonian. John described their initial meeting as love at first sight. He was like a son to his in-laws, John and Jacqueline (Kurzanski). Over 36 years, John and Celeste traveled the world together and ultimately made their home in Yardley, PA, where they raised three children. Near the end of his life, John kept a journal in which he called Bennett, Carter, and Isabel his greatest joy and greatest accomplishment. John didn't lack for accomplishments. The leadership skills he honed as an athlete served him well throughout a long career in marketing. After climbing the executive ranks and helping pioneer the concept of shopper marketing, he established his own consultancy. His colleagues and clients revered him for his passion, vision, positivity, and sense of humor. Family and friends knew that sense of humor and can-do attitude, too. He always endeavored to instill both in his children and in the young athletes he coached. Even as his health failed, he maintained a positive outlook and a dogged commitment to recovery while never forgetting to laugh. A long-suffering Buffalo sports fan, he cheered the Bills through their glory years, their long slide into irrelevance, and their recent reemergence as a title contender. His devotion to the team typifies the attitude he brought to everything. Whether he was at home, on the field, on the sidelines, or in the office, he was fully committed to the work ahead and confident that he and his team would succeed. He loved riding his bike and spending time with his dogs. He loved Bruce Springsteen and James Bond movies. He loved Buffalo wings and big breakfasts. More than anything, he loved the people in his life-his children, his wife, his teammates, his peers. Over these last few years, their constant words of support and encouragement powered him to tackle each new challenge. In addition to his wife and children, John is survived and remembered by several nieces and nephews, his in-laws, and a broad network of friends. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date.