John Belgiorno

John (Mr Belgiorno to us youngins) was my neighbor growing up. He hired my best friend Benny and I to cut his lawn, which made it possible for me to buy my first record and help me dive into the world of music of which Im still so passionate about. Not sure how he got away with paying us each $5(lol), but I think we all made out with the deal as he taught us about hard work and taking pride in my work, which I still carry with me to this day. I remember one quote to this day when he said "i like the way you cut around the perimeter of the yard". His place was always well kept and his lawn well fertilized. It was hard to push mow his place!! Lol. His grass was always so luxurious. 45 years later I still strive to have a lawn like Mr Belgiornos. Lol

He was one of the "neighborhood dads" that made our old neighborhood in Greece a wonderful, peaceful, unique, safe place that it was to grow up in. His wife Lynn added to the peacefulness and it seemed like that they always had a peaceful content filled life. I remember their very clean and inviting screened in garage. I remember his kindness, his ability to make me feel like I was special when he spoke to me. Good, kind souls do that. He had such a love of life. I remember his early bout with cancer and being so upfront, informative and yes, even humorous about his colostomy. He made a scary subject, approachable and maybe in the back of my mind, now that I look back, my future as a medical imaging professional was inspired by him. Coincidentally, when I moved back to Rochester after my 6 years in the Navy, I had the privilege of performing a scan on him and touching base with him after not seeing him for so long, which is such a fond memory. I remember their daughter Kristen being born and what a miracle and blessing she was to our neighbors. She was and still is their pride and joy. I moved from Rochester down to WV since 1998 now, but still these very prominent and pleasant memories persist of a kind, funny and gentle man and a wonderful family.

We first meet John when looking to move into his neighborhood. He showed us his home where we first met Lynn. He was so easy to talk to, answered all our questions and it was because of them we became neighbors. We had so much respect for John for everything he was going through he never stopped smiling and was always positive. God bless you John we are going to miss you.
We pray God will give Lynn and the family the strength they need during this difficult time.
Gil and Cindy Greeley