Sturge, John McMillan

Rochester/New Smyrna Beach: On October 27th, 2016 John slipped into that good night. John leaves his wife and life partner of over 50 years Judi Hinchliffe Sturge, his daughter Melissa Sturge Apple (Chris), and his grandsons Kellen and Braedon Apple. He is now reunited with his son, Scott and we’re sure they’re playing with matchbox cars up above.
John grew up in Rochester’s 19th ward with his mother Edith and his beloved grandmother Minnie. His family taught him the importance of action by doing which is what guided him throughout his life. John graduated from Madison HS and then served in the Navy. He earned a B.S. from the Rochester Institute of Technology and an M.S. from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
His professional career started in optical physics at Cornell’s Aeronautical Laboratories in Buffalo. He then joined Xerox in 1965 and later left in order to form Marketech Associates. With Marketech, he built a customer base of more than 150 private and public clients across the state of New York. John served as RIT’s Alumni President, was on the RIT Board of Trustees and was awarded the Outstanding Alumnus award in 2002. Passionate about education and the transformative impact it could have, in collaboration with RIT, John led the installation of the first computer curriculum facility at the NYS Industry School for adjudicated juveniles. He truly loved mentoring these students and found great satisfaction in helping them grow and improve their lives. In addition, John served for many years on the Rochester Library Counsel.
In 1975, John and Judi suffered the unimaginable when they lost their 6-year old son Scott to cancer. Determined that other families coping with childhood cancer would have support and services, they worked to change the system and founded CURE Childhood Cancer Association in Rochester in 1976. Judi liked to say “I could write it and John could speak it.” John served as the first President and worked for 40 years with CURE staff members and Golisano hospital caregivers to improve the quality of life for families with children afflicted with cancer in the Rochester area.
John valued life’s simple things, watching the birds, photographing nature’s wonders, dropping a line off the dock at the lake, and sharing a cold beer. John cherished his time with his family. He was so proud of his daughter, grandsons, and his son-in-law and could be found cheering the loudest at their games and accomplishments. As family and friends can attest, John loved to talk with anyone and everyone. From the board room to the bar room, John was at ease and comfortable in his own skin. His friendships were deep and many from his childhood buddies, RIT family, co-workers, pals in NSB, and the many golf partners he had over the years.
A celebration of John’s life, to share a good laugh, fun stories and fond memories, will be held 1:00 pm December 10th at the Rochester Institute of Technology in the Panara Theatre. A reception in the Dyer Arts Center adjacent will follow. Parking will be available in the L-lot. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that memorials in John’s name be directed to CURE Childhood Cancer Association, 200 Westfall Rd. Rochester, NY 14620 http://curekidscancer.com/.