Filipe, John R.

On March 27, 2021, John Filipe succumbed to his long battle with pulmonary fibrosis at the age of 74. He passed away quietly at his home in Fairport, New York in the presence of family and friends.

John is survived by his loving wife of 52 years Jo Ann (Benway) and his eldest brother Eugene Filipe of Hudson, Massachusetts. He was welcomed into the Benway family by Cindy Allison (Benway), Rick (Judy) and Geoff and is remembered fondly by his many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his other brother George Filipe and his beloved son, Michael.

John was born June 19, 1946 in Clinton, Massachusetts. He was educated and trained as an engineer, having spent his working career at Eastman Kodak in the Instant Camera Division and later joining Reflexite Display Optics as an engineering manager and eventually becoming a Global Business Leader. Consequently, he was intrigued by new technologies, especially high-end electronics. His pastimes included photography and travel, which provided him with many photo opportunities, but his passion was fishing and boating. Anywhere John traveled, he always was looking for the next new fishing hole to explore. In recent years, he particularly relished his times to cast a line in Florida, where he caught his trophy bass, or to spend time with his fishing buddy at Honeoye Lake or on the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland.

Those wishing to pay their last respects may do so from 4 to 6 pm at Keenan Funeral Home at 7501 Pittsford-Palmyra Road, Fairport, New York on Monday, April 5. A funeral servicepresided by Father George will be held at 10 am on Tuesday, April 6 at the Church of the Assumption at 20 East Avenue, Fairport, New York. Those unable to attend personally can view the proceedings through live streaming at cota.church/tv. Following the service, John will be boarding the Boston Whaler for his eternal resting place in the family plot at Oakwood Cemetery where he will join his son Michael.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in John’s memory may be made to URMC Home Care/Hospice, which provided help and support to John and Jo Ann during the past several months. Donations can be made by mail at the following address, URMC Hospice, 2180 Empire Blvd., Webster, NY 14580 or on line at http://URMC.rochester.edu/home-care/hospice-care please designate the gift to the hospice program).