John Warren Jr.

Warren, John Jr.
BALLSTON LAKE - John D.WarrenJr., 72, died peacefully and lovingly in his home on December 14, 2025. He was born on April14,1953, in Fort Smith,Ark., to the late JohnD.WarrenSr. and Mildred (Goldsworthy) Warren. He grew up on a 60 acre farm, straddling the Oklahoma/Arkansas border, where his grandparents lived next door in a two story house. Farm life, filled with animals, open fields, and the rhythms of rural living, instilled in him a deep appreciation for hard work, community, and the simple joys of nature.
After his childhood years, the family moved to Florida. While there, he spent countless happy days with his family fishing in lakes, exploring the coral reefs, and spear fishing along the coast. In high school he discovered ham radio, a hobby that sparked his lifelong fascination with engineering. During the COVID-19 pandemic he renewed his amateur-radio "X-class" license (K2YV), a testament to his enduring curiosity.
John graduated with honors from the University of Florida, with a degree in Nuclear Engineering. Upon completing his studies, he moved to Schenectady, N.Y., to begin a distinguished career with General Electric. Over the decades, he served as an innovative engineer, creating solutions that were often ahead of their time and leaving a lasting impact on his colleagues and the projects he touched.
In 1990 John met the love of his life, Cheryl A.Warren, and the two were married the next year. Their partnership was marked by shared adventure and boundless enthusiasm for the world. Together they traveled extensively, skiing in the mountains, embarking on African safaris, SCUBA-diving on distant reefs, and exploring countless corners of the globe. Winter weekends found them carving fresh tracks at Killington, where John became one of the inaugural Killington Ambassadors, serving as lead ambassador for many years. Summer brought water-skiing, biking, and endless laughter.
An avid cyclist, John spent countless hours on his road bike, discovering the rolling hills and vibrant towns of the Capital Region. After earning his SCUBA certification on Australia's Great Barrier Reef, he and Cheryl logged more than 500 dives worldwide, capturing the vivid marine world beneath the surface.
John's talent behind the lens was equally remarkable. Whether photographing wildlife in action, underwater scenes, or the awe-inspiring night sky, his images chronicled a life lived fully and with wonder. His photographs remain a treasured record of the adventures he shared with family and friends. Those who knew John remember him for his kindness, quick humor, brilliant mind, curiosity, and unbridled love of life.
He cultivated friendships across continents, touching the lives of many with his generosity and zest.
John is survived by his beloved wife of 34 years, Cheryl A. "Cheri" Warren; his mother, Mildred Goldsworthy Warren; his brother, Martin Lee Warren (Joan); his sister, Mary Carver; his mother-in-law, Jane Alessandrini; his brother-in-law, Anthony Marinello (Tracey Tryba); his sister-in-law, Jodi L. Chang (Robert); his nieces, Norah J. Chang, Morgan Carver, Cassandra Jones, Elizabeth Warren; and his nephew, Christopher Carver. He is also survived by his great-nephews, Joseph and Austin Jones, and Luke Carver.
A celebration of John's extraordinary life will reflect the spirit of a man who embraced every opportunity, pursued his passions with vigor, and left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege to know him. May his memory continue to inspire adventure, curiosity, and compassion for generations to come.
Family and friends are welcome to gather with the family on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, from 4:00-5:00pm at Townley & Wheeler Funeral Home, 21 Midline Road, Ballston Lake, NY. A Memorial Service will conclude the evening at 5:00pm.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to either WMHT, 4 Global View, Troy, N.Y. 12180, or the Regional Food Bank, 965 Albany-Shaker Road, Latham, N.Y. 12110.