Mr. John F. Sherwood

NAPLES, NY - Mr. John F. Sherwood, age 77, passed away on Friday, January 6, 2023, after sustaining an injury almost 2 years ago. He passed in the company of family. John was born in Rochester, NY on August 3, 1945, to the late William T. and Rhoda (Gardner) Sherwood. He was raised in the Rochester suburb of Henrietta and attended the local schools there. John went on to receive a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology from Cornell University. After graduation he started his teaching career. On July 1, 1972, he married Karolyn A. Janke. John and Karolyn were bonded by their shared love of their children. They worked in tandem to accomplish everyday tasks, and their marriage was a success because of their shared love and the Lord. John taught Life Sciences at Bay Trail Middle School in Penfield until his retirement. He used his creativity in planning lessons for his students. He enjoyed unique animals, which were sometimes his own pets, and often brought them to the classroom to make school even more intriguing for his students. John was inventive and with a mechanical mind, could fix almost anything. He was a “jack of all trades,” which encouraged him, along with his wife Karolyn, to build their home overlooking Canandaigua Lake, surrounded by the neighboring vineyards. He enjoyed challenges and was inspired by his own dad, who was also a bit handy. John was able to turn his visions into reality. John, along with his wife, was caretaker to their younger daughter Laurie, who has special needs, and he always managed to do so with great concern and compassion. With his other daughter Kathleen, he shared a love of science and biology, and the desire to enjoy life’s experiences, especially in that field. All the family members enjoyed art, crafts, and used their creativity. John enjoyed many hobbies. He was an avid kayaker, biker, and gardener. He very much appreciated the calmness of nature. Karolyn and John enjoyed spending their retirement years as snowbirds enjoying the sun and an active lifestyle in Florida during the winter months. Always a “do-it-yourself” kind of guy, John was working on his roof in Florida when he experienced a fall and incurred a spinal cord injury. He was left with many physical challenges that changed his life, but he managed to live each day with an inquisitive mindset. John had a gentle spirit and love for the Lord’s work and his church. He enjoyed caring for the landscaping at his church, Crosswinds Wesleyan in Canandaigua, and used his artistic talent to create beautiful stage sets for church and children’s programs. He and Karolyn went on a short form missions trip to Ecuador with church members and used their creativity to minister to the adults and children there. John is survived by his devoted wife, Karolyn; his daughters and son-in-law, Kathleen and Jeremy Van Horne, and Laurie Sherwood. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Owen, Lucas, and Alanna Van Horne; and his brother and sisters-in-law, David and Paula Sherwood, and Rose Sherwood. He was predeceased by his brother, Terry Sherwood. He is additionally survived by many extended family members, including a nephew, nieces, cousins, and aunts; as well as his in-laws, Gloria and Greg Wilkins, Diana and Jeff Conrad, and Colleen Janke. He was preceded by his brother-in-law Gilbert Janke, Jr.. John also leaves to cherish his memory many longtime friends from the Rochester area and new friends from the Utica area. A Celebration of John’s life will be held at a time to be determined in the future. Memorial contributions may be considered to the American Spinal Injury Association online at https://asia-spinalinjury.org/make-a-donation.

Mr. John F. Sherwood

August 3, 1945 - January 6, 2023