Visitation: No prior Visitation.
Service: A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. HILL – John Richard
Of Snyder, NY, passed away on January
31, 2021, a few days after his 75th
birthday. John was born in Rochester,
NY, on January 26, 1946. He graduated
from Lewiston-Porter High School, and
received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from
the University at Buffalo, and a Master
of Science from Buffalo State College.
John taught instrumental music for
the Buffalo Public School System
for 32 years, primarily at the Buffalo
Academy for the Visual and Performing
Arts and at Waterfront Elementary. He
played saxophone and flute in bands
throughout his career, including many
years with the group The New York
Transfer. After his retirement from
teaching, John purchased a neglected
but majestic old home on Buffalo’s
west side, and spent the next two years
renovating and restoring the home to
its former glory, saving it from likely
demolition. He provided immeasurable
assistance to his family members
and friends on their own projects as
well, always willing to tackle a new
challenge and offer valuable advice.
Never one to put off work around his
own house, he continued to complete
minor renovations up until a few days
before his passing. He exemplified
working hard, always doing your best,
and helping others. John was also an
avid reader and lifelong learner, having
a keen interest in American history,
current events, science, and technology.
He loved travelling around the country,
visiting National Parks with his wife
Barbara, and making regular summer
trips to Maine with the extended family.
John is survived by his loving wife of 53
years Barbara, son David (Alisia) and
grandchildren Jessica, Andrew, and
Elliot, daughter Laura Rao (Steven)
and grandchildren Noah, Griffin, Maya,
and Sydney, brother David (Karen),
many loving nephews and nieces, and
best friend Nelson G. Starr (Ruth). He
was predeceased by parents Lionel
and Beatrice, and his brother Robert.
In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes
memorial gifts in John’s memory to
Roswell Park Alliance Foundation. A
Celebration of Life will be held at a later
date. Arrangements by THE DIETRICH
FUNERAL HOME. Share condolences
at thedietrichfuneralhome.com