John C. Wolford, 61, passed away Saturday at home with family at his side. He was a loving husband, father, Poppy, brother, and friend with a heart of gold. John graduated from ESM high school where he ran track and SUNY ESF with a bachelors in wood product engineering. He married his first guitar teacher and best friend Colleen, and they celebrated 35 years this past September.

John worked in the lumber/building supply industry while being a caregiver to his son Tom who has special needs, taking him to school every morning and making sure his day started on a positive note. When the proverbial door closed and John’s work in windows/doors ended, another window opened; John developed his own music business and performed his songs on guitar for the elderly and people with developmental disabilities. He loved sharing his knowledge of music and sound and created many lasting friendships through open mics, local concerts, and Guitar League.

John had an engineering mind similar to his father (and mother!). His greatest accomplishment (besides his family) was building an off-grid camp on Pillar Point with solar power and rain collection- a little piece of heaven where his grandsons Rowan and Sully will be sure to romp around.

We love you Dad and will see you again.

John is lovingly remembered by his wife Colleen; daughter, Erin (Peter) Barclay; son, Tom (Pearl); grandsons Rowan and Sullivan; sisters, Dawn (Paul Springman) Barnes, Patricia (Eugene) Blum; brothers, David (Jan) Wolford, Paul (Patti) Wolford; sister-in-law, Mary (David) Knapp; many cousins, nieces, nephews, and cherished friends.

Thank you to everyone who showed their love and support for John.

Calling hours will be Saturday from 1– 2 p.m. at R. H. Schepp & Son Minoa Chapel, 6530 Schepp’s Corners Rd, Minoa. A memorial service will follow at 2:00 p.m at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Advocates Incorporated, 300 South Manlius St., Fayetteville, NY 13066.

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