John M. Huff, age 67, passed away on Thursday, May 7th, 2020 after a long battle with lung disease.
Born in 1952 in Rochester, NY, John lived a long, satisfying life full of love from his family, friends, and pets. After graduating from Penfield High School, he went on to have long careers at both Monroe Tree and then the Power and Construction Group – KBH Division.
John was an avid Civil War history buff and was involved in Civil War Reenacting, specifically with artillery units, for decades. He would travel up and down the East Coast to attend several events every year, camping out and living all weekend just as the soldiers did back in the 1800’s. He also loved military airplanes, attending airshows every year and assembling model airplanes. He read countless books on both Civil War history and military airplanes, and was also a fan of mystery novels.
John was very proud of his Irish heritage. He was a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians and could be found every year celebrating with his family and friends at the Downtown Rochester St. Patrick’s Day parade and festivities. A lover of music, John would attend several concerts and festivals every year, and always had music playing throughout his home. Even as his health deteriorated, he loved to get up and dance to his favorite songs. He loved many genres of music – rock ‘n’ roll, zydeco, and Irish folk songs, just to name a few.
John had a big heart when it came to dogs, and cats as well, even though he wouldn’t freely admit the cat part. Always a lover of big dogs, people fondly remember his St. Bernard, Brandy and his Bernese Mountain dogs Finegan, Honor, Risa, and Ceili. Like clockwork, he walked his dogs every day on a local trail, a ritual he continued as long as he was physically able.
Under John’s rough, bearded exterior, was a kind, generous heart. His smile and laughter, along with his wicked sense of humor, mischievous twinkle of his eyes and his joy for life will be sorely missed by those that knew and loved him.
John was preceded in death by his father (Robert Huff), mother (Alice Mohan Sherman) step-father (Ralph Sherman) and father in law William H. Vatter. He is survived by his wife Gail Huff, step-children Alyssa (Kimberly) and Matthew Vaisey, granddaughter Riley Vaisey, sisters Kathy Huff Selby (Charles) and Bobbie (Lester) Ritenour, nieces and nephews Chris Selby, Kevin (Liz) Selby, Kyle (Andrea) Selby, Laura Ritenour, and Matt (Kelsey) Ritenour, and several great nieces and nephews.
Per his wishes, a large Irish wake will be held once it is safe to do so, where everyone can gather and celebrate his life with family, friends, music and drink. Friends and family will be contacted with the details once everything is arranged.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Pulmonary Hypertension Association (https://phassociation.org/donate/).
Comments
20 responses to “Huff, John M.”
RIP John.. Remember the good times.
Rest In Peace Brother
Rest in God’s eternal peace Brother John
May the rain fall Softly on your field.
So very sorry for your loss.
I am so very sorry for your loss! I will certainly miss waving to him or chatting with him as he sat on his front porch as I did my walk down Church St. Always a kind soul! He is now reunited in heaven with his dear childhood friend and my sister, Judy Faust! Rest In Peace Johnny!
Oh Gail, the world just lost one of the good ones. Your heart must be breaking.
Rest In Peace John my brother
Will be missed by many, come to think of john as family. A candle burns for you my brother.
I grew up in the same neighborhood as John , we had many fun times in the old neighborhood off Landing Rd N . He was also a fellow classmate at Penfield HS class of 1971. You will be sadly missed by all who knew you from the class of 1971. RIP John
I am truly heartbroken to to hear of John’s passing. He was an elementary school friend and well as all throughout high school.
I have all great memories of our years of friendship.
Yes, John, you brought happiness and fun into many peoples lives . I consider myself lucky to have known him.
Rest in peace brother. Dia dhaoibh.
So sorry to hear about Johnny’s passing. Last saw him at Ralph’s service. So kind and thoughtful of him. Have known Johnny since our family was very small. The Huff family were great to us. Johnny shall be missed by us all. Prior to seeing Johnny at Trinity, we were at his Mom’s burial. So happy to see all the family then. Love and prayers to you all.
Johnny was our neighbor for many years, so many fond memories! I remember Brandy as a puppy. So glad he called me not too long ago. What a wonderful man.
Sorry for your loss, to the Huff family.You were my neighbor on Holloway and I remember Johnny as a little boy.
I knew John from our mutual civil war reenacting days.He was a very interesting and kindhearted man.Condolences to Gail and his family.May he rest in peace
Gail we are so sorry to hear of your loss and want to attend the celebration when ever it is. Love Janice and Mary Lou
knew john from the old neighborhood and had lost track of him for over 50 years not surprised he had so many friends who cared about him he was a good guy way back then sorry for your loss
I am very very sorry to hear this about John. I knew him for a long time and enjoyed attending and
doing Civil war events with him
So saddened to hear John had passed. As a re-enactor and friend, I knew John and Gail for many years. He was kind hearted and caring and loved to laugh. He was so loved by his wife Gail, and we all knew he loved her dearly. For the last several years we kept in touch. I am going to miss him❣️❣️ My heartfelt deepest sympathy to my friend Gail and again I will see you soon❣️❣️ REST IN PEACE JOHN ??
I was saddened to hear about John passing recently. I knew John for many years through re-enactments. Several of us traveled together and became good friends. John loved and looked forward to the events. One thing I remember was that John and Jimmy were inseparable, like brothers❣️He dearly loved his wife Gail and was well taken care of by her till the end I send my deepest heartfelt sympathy to Gail, Matt and Alyssa. A I will see you soon❣️❣️