John M. Anderson

John McDonald Anderson died peacefully at home on October 17, 2024 after a brief battle with cancer. John was born at home on January 9, 1932 to C.W. Sr. and Jane Allen Anderson. He grew up on the Southside of Elmira and graduated from Southside High School. He served honorably in the USAF during the Korean Conflict. When he returned home he met and married the love of his life, Sandra Jean Dean. John worked in the newspaper business for many years, first as a journeyman printer at several local papers including the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle and the Star Gazette, In the earl 70's he and his friend and local reporter Tom McCarthy started a weekly newspaper, the Citizen-Press, which went on to win a journalism award from the NYS Press Association. After the Citizen-Press, John and another local businessman Bob Crippen started the E-Z Shopper, Later known as The Shopper. John and Sandy worked at The Shopper until their retirement. It was there that they met their dear lifelong friends Floyd and Patty Vlajic. John and Sandy loved traveling to Florida in the winter and summers at their cottage on Waneta Lake. John is survived by his wife of 69 years, Sandy; his son Larry of Scottsdale AZ; daughter Heather Scherb and her children Kristen (BeccaJo) of Somerville MA, Alex (Mary) of Brooklyn, NY and Rob (Gabby) of Manhattan NY; sister-in-law Reggie Dean; many nieces and nephews; and his honorary son Floyd (Patty) Vlajic. John was predeceased by his parents; his brothers and sister and their spouses C.W. Jr (Winnie Nicholson), Edward (Jean), Robert (Dee), Elaine (Archie) Cornell, Carol (Jim) Feldmann, and Joanie who died at the age of 18. Also predeceased by brothers-in-law Edward Dean, Richard Dean, and Patsy Cornacchio and sister-in-law Linda Dean Cornacchio.
John was a devoted son, doting husband, loving father and proud grandfather. He had a great sense of humor and was a very kind man. His greatest enjoyment in life came from his family and he will be forever loved and missed. Memorial service arrangements will be announced at a later date. Arrangements by Olthof Funeral Home 1050 Pennsylvania Avenue, Elmira, NY 14904.
Those wishing may remember John with a donation to either the Elmira Community Kitchen, 100 High Street, Elmira, NY 14901 or to CareFirst Hospice, 3805 Meads Creek Road, Painted Post, NY 14870.