Dr. John P. Hemmerlein of East Syracuse passed away peacefully in the presence of his wife and children at the age of 76 the morning of Thursday, June 11, 2015. John is survived by his wife of 50 years, Barbara Edmonston Hemmerlein. John and Barb celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary last year, renewing their vows and enjoying a long weekend in cabins buy the lake with their children and grandchildren. John is survived by his children, Beth Nelson (Scott), Barbara Andersen (Gary), Ellen Hemmerlein (Rick Cross) and Edward Hemmerlein (Jenn Miller); and by four grandchildren, Brett Nelson (Thea), Nathan Serlin, John (Jack) Serlin and Addison (Addie) Hemmerlein. John was predeceased by his parents, Virginia Weinheimer Hemmerlein and John P. Hemmerlein; and brother, Richard F. Hemmerlein. He is survived by his siblings, Virginia (Ginger) Michels and William (Bill) Hemmerlein (Sandy); as well as many nieces and nephews. Born in 1939, John spent his life in the Syracuse area, graduating from Assumption High School in 1956, earning a bachelor’s degree from LeMoyne College in 1961 and graduating from Upstate Medical School in 1965.
John’s life is a tribute to his commitment to his family and his community. In 1967 he opened his medical practice in Fayetteville, New York, where he practiced family medicine for 40 years. Many times he cared for several generations of families, and he hosted many medical students and interns striving to teach them about the art of medicine as well as the importance of having a good bedside manner. Closing his office on the 40th anniversary of its opening, John continued the geriatric practice that he had cultivated over decades, being the medical director of Sunnyside Nursing Home for over 30 years, and working as a contributing physician and medical director of other nursing homes throughout Onondaga County during his lifetime. Just days before passing, John received acknowledgement of 50 years of service to the public by the Onondaga County Medical Society, marking one of the many achievements he could claim. As a new doctor years ago, John served as a Captain in the Medical Corps of the New York Air National Guard, 108th. He served on the Board of the Fayetteville Senior Center and helped support the efforts of the Oxford Inn and the pantry of St. Matthew’s Church in East Syracuse where his wife is active. Just weeks before his death, he was delivering Meals on Wheels and continuing to enjoy sharing his time with others and exchanging groan-worthy jokes. He will be missed by all those whose lives he has enriched and his adoring and admiring family.
A funeral Mass will be held at St. Mathew’s Church in East Syracuse on Monday, June 15, 2015 at 9:00 am. Calling hours will be Sunday, June 14, 2015 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at R.H. Schepp & Son Minoa Chapel, 6530 Schepp’s Corners Rd. (corner of Kirkvielle Rd.), Minoa. Contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to the Fayetteville Senior Center, 584 E. Genesee St., Fayetteville, NY 13066 or Franciscan North Side Ministry, 804 N. Salina St., Syracuse, NY 13208.

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