John R. Taffner Jr.

John is survived by his children: Lisa (George) Werner, David Taffner (Broc VanAlstine), Sarah Taffner (Todd Friga); his grandchildren: Adam Smith, Nick Smith, Kellie (Jake) Satter, Anina Vancheri, Ariana Vancheri, Noah Friga, and Cici Friga; great-grandson Kellin, his sister Jane O’Brien, sister-in-law Jan Taffner, brother-in-law David Rowntree, and several nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by his beloved wife of 62 years, Dorothy, son John Gerard, daughter Debbie Smith, brother Jim Taffner, brother-in-law David O’Brien, and sister-in-law Margie Rowntree.

John was born in Pittsburgh, PA, and grew up in Rochester, NY. He graduated from East High and worked at Kodak for 34 years. In his 50s, he went to nursing school and became an RN. He was a hospice nurse for 10 years before retiring.

In addition to his time as a hospice nurse, in which he cared for people at the end of their lives, he also cared for his wife and helped ease her into the end of her illness.

He never stopped wanting to help. Even during his illness, he would do his “rounds,” where he was always looking out for people in need.

He was a longtime member of the Greece Choral Society and sang in his church choirs. He was an active member of Spiritus Christi Church for almost 40 years, and later at Unity Church. He never stopped searching, learning, and questioning.

He treasured the many lifelong friendships he had. He was funny as hell, won every board game and card game he played, made the world’s best mac & cheese, and went to every one of his grandkids’ events, games, concerts, and plays. He wrote poetry, was an avid reader, and started a Little Free Library in his neighborhood. He loved classical music, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, bicycling, the Yankees, Big Bang Theory, and coffee & a cookie or donut was “heaven” to him.

Family will receive friends and loved ones on Tuesday, February 17th from 3-6pm at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 2636 Ridgeway Ave.

The family would like to thank all the people who helped care for him at the Legacy at Grande'Vie, Brookdale, and Highland Hospital.

If you would like to make a donation in John’s name you can do so at: The Isaiah House