Obituary of John Frederick Scheepsma

Scheepsma, John F. Age 87 of Elmira, NY. He was born May 7, 1936 in Elmira, son of the late Abraham H. and Anna R. (Ryan) Scheepsma and passed away Tuesday, May 24, 2023 at home after an extended illness, surrounded by his loving family. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his siblings and daughter-in-law Robin Scheepsma. John is survived by loving wife of 62 years, Marilyn (Bernabei) Scheepsma; children John (Rebecca) Scheepsma, Robert Scheepsma, Carolyn (Christopher) Swarthout and Elizabeth Scheepsma (Kevin Chapman) along with several grandchildren, great grandchildren, great, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews; brother Bill. John retired from Thatcher Glass after 38 years and then GST BOCES after 10 years. He was an active communicant of St. Anthony's Church; was a veteran of the U. S. Navy. John volunteered for many organizations including the Arctic League and Catholic Charities Food Pantry, both for many years. He was a social butterfly, scouring his neighborhood looking to help with mowing, snowblowing or anything else anyone needed. He was a great father figure who loved everyone, except snakes. He hated snakes! John loved the beach, roller coasters, family trips, riding his moped and Manhattans. Family and friends are invited to visit Walter J. Kent Funeral Home, 858 Lake St. at Washington Ave., Elmira on Tuesday, May30th from 4 to 7 pm. His Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, May 31st at 11 am in St. Mary's Church, 224 Franklin St. Elmira. Rev. John DeSocio , Celebrant. Committal prayers and interment will be held in St. Peter & Paul's Cemetery at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, those wishing may remember John through donations to either the Arctic League, 249 W. Clinton St., Elmira, NY 14901; the Elmira Community Kitchen, Catholic Charities, 215 E. Church St., #100, Elmira, NY 14901 or CareFirst, 3805 Meads Creek Rd., Painted Post, NY 14870. John's family gives a special thank you to CareFirst for all their help; John's right hand man, grandson Cody Hughes and Lindsay Scheepsma Spallone and Jola Scheepsma his granddaughters and nurses.