Rochester, NY: April 7, 2020. John passed away at the age of 47 after a courageous battle with lung cancer. John was predeceased by his mother, Donna M. Simmons. He is survived by his life partner Christina Ishman, his daughter Lindsey (Jeffrey) Parmelee, his sons Owen and Brian Simmons, his brother Jeffrey (Kathy) Simmons, his sister Michelle (Claude) Treusdell, his father Elwood L. Simmons, his nieces Jacque (Patrick) Turbett, and Cassandra MacUmber, his nephew Dieter Treusdell, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
John was a Journeyman Electrician for The IBEW Local 86 upon his passing. He was an electrician in the city of Rochester for over 25 years. He loved the work he did and was a part of many interesting projects throughout the city of Rochester. He also enjoyed teaching his trade to apprentices that had joined his profession. He used his skill in the electrical field to help friends, neighbors, and family. He never shied away when someone mentioned they were working on a project and wondered if he could lend a hand.
John had many interests: #1 being The Chicago Bears, sports memorabilia, golf, camping, basketball, cornhole, movies, classic rock, (Dave Matthews), oldies music his mother loved, and cooking. He was a loyal friend who enjoyed hanging out with the boys on a Friday night after work. John enjoyed the simple things in life: sitting on a porch, a beautiful sunset, the waves of the ocean, a campfire in his backyard, the lyrics to a song, a good haircut, and a pat on the back for a job well done. He was so thankful for anyone who was pleasant or went above and beyond no matter what their job was in life.
He was a caring and supportive soulmate to Christina. His greatest joy was bragging about his three children: Lindsey, Owen and Brian. He was in awe of the gifts each of them brought to the world and his life, and so thankful to be their father. John brought great joy to his family and his friends. He impacted the lives of many and will forever be in our hearts.
A memorial service for friends and family will be held in the summer of 2020. It will be announced via Facebook. We will provide donation information at the future memorial service.
John has been a friend of mine and my electrician for over 20 years. He was a great father. He will be missed greatly.
He is gonna be trying missed, I remember being stuck on the street one cold winter day he volunteered to come by without me asking and help me get my car out of the street and would not except a dime from me for helping 😢 we had big laughs all the time !!! A true friend I miss him ALREADY R.I.P. MY BROTHER ❤️
The first time that I met John at the Playground he asked me what my favorite band was and I told him U2. After that every time he saw me walking into the bar he would go to the Jukebox and play a U2 song. His thoughtfulness and kindness not to mention generosity was very attractive in a person in this day and age. We had great times every time we crossed paths. Cannot believe he is gone I will miss him greatly.
John was a lifelong friend of my husband. I’ve only known him for 6 short years but in that time I found him to be just one cool guy. He truly loved his friends and family and they knew it and we all loved him back. Rest easy, JJ….rest easy. 💕
Johnny will be missed. We are sorry for your loss. I met John in 1992. We worked together for many years on and off. We baptized Lindsey and you all will have a special place in our hearts. Love Ange and Rose.
I will miss you my friend John Joe 💙