John Francis "JD" Dhayer

John Francis Dhayer, known to friends as "JD", died at his summer home in the Town of Frankfort, NY, on 3 Aug 2025 after a brief illness.

John was born in Cross Creek Township, PA, on 7 Oct 1937, to John B. Dhayer and Ella Rebecca Call. He grew up in the "hollers" of Pennsylvania along with his eight siblings and attended a one-room schoolhouse before attending high school, where he played football and baseball. Following graduation from high school, John enlisted in the US Navy serving for eight years with duties including flying PBY's to South America. John contracted tuberculosis while in the Navy and spent four years in VA hospitals.

After leaving the Navy, John worked at Oneida Limited and for the New York State Troopers. He then spent twelve years as a police officer in Canastota. While on the police force, he decided to take advantage of the GI bill to further his education, attending MVCC and Utica College, eventually earning his Master's Degree from Syracuse University. He then became an associate professor in the Criminal Justice Department at MVCC, retiring in 1995. While teaching at MVCC, he served as the Town Justice for the Town of Paris. During his years teaching, he enjoyed golfing at Pine Hills with the crew from MVCC and at Sauquoit Knolls owned by his friends, the Getz's.

John was an avid history buff enjoying documentaries on PBS and reading numerous history books. His particular interest in WWII may have been inspired by the service of his Call uncles, Kenny, Charles, Merle, Robert (who died in Lyons, France) and David.

Following his retirement, John and his partner, Diane Smith, traveled through the Southwest, living and remodeling homes in New Mexico and Arizona; eventually returning to North Carolina and Florida. They have lived in Florida since 2010 while spending summers in New York. The sunshine states were a draw for golfing. He and Diane would cook together to the entertainment of family and friends who described their interaction in the kitchen as a dance. John had numerous occasions to use his woodworking skills on their 100-year-old summer home in Frankfort.

John leaves his partner, of 30 years, Diane Smith, along with his children, Molly Dhayer Armijo and her husband, Jerry Armijo, of Argyle, TX, John Dhayer, Jr. and his partner, Connie, in New Woodstock, NY and Jenny Dhayer and her partner, Chris, of Oswego, NY; along with his former wife, Judy Dhayer, of Oneida, NY. John also leaves his daughters, Beth Dhayer, Amy Dhayer Hillenbrand and Lauren Dhayer Trudeau; along with eight grandchildren, especially Jerry, Nathan and Evan Armijo. He also leaves his colleague and longtime friend, Maryann DiMeo; and his brothers, Fred and Darlene, of Bradenton, FL and Rob and Estelle, of Pittsburgh, PA; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

John was predeceased by his siblings, Nancy Dhayer Burd, Dave Dhayer, Kathryn Dhayer Carter, Faith Dhayer Bradley, Rosemae Dhayer McLaughlin Anderson and Jeffrey Dhayer.

Per John's wishes, there will be no visitation hours.

In memory of John please consider a donation to your local PBS station or pbs.org.

Final arrangements are entrusted to Heintz Funeral Service, Inc.. Fond memories and messages of sympathy may be shared at www.heintzfuneralservice.net.