John K. Gillmore

John Kiel Gillmore, known to friends and family simply as John, was a man whose laughter was as infectious as his talent was diverse. He bid his final farewell on the snowy Christmas Day of2024, at the age of 66, leaving behind a multitude of stories. Born on February 28, 1958, in the quaint town of Mariette, NY. John’s journey came to end in Jack’s Reef, NY with a heart that gave out.

John’s early life was set to the backdrop of Marcellus Central High School, where he was known for his quick wit. After leaving high school, he rolled up his sleeves and dove into a career that would see him become a skillful mechanic, a creative carpenter, and a self-proclaimed “Jack of all trades.” His hands were seldom clean but always ready to help, fix or build whatever was needed by friends, family or even a stranger with a convincing enough story.

He was predeceased by his parents, Virginia (Barth) Gillmore and James E. Gillmore Sr., John’s legacy lives on through his children; his daughter, Fathom(married to Joseph Carter), and his sons, John and Hunter. His sister Barbara Bailey of Marietta; brothers James and Linda Gillmore of Elbridge and Charles Gillmore, Atlanta, Georgia. His grandchildren; Sebastian and Charlie Carter; Victoria, Isabell, Kiel, Jazmine Gillmore; and Tori Lader, Devon, Carmen, Laura, Hunter, Landon, Lukas, and Decon Gillmore. He never missed an opportunity to regale them with tales that were equal parts embellished and entertaining.

An artist with a soul as vibrant as his palette, John channeled his creativity through various mediums. Music was his muse and his solace, to whatever could get his foot tapping at the moment. As an avid gun collector, John could often be found in an animated discussion about craft of a vintage firearm or the latest addition to his collection. Handy? There wasn’t a thing he couldn’t fix with a bit of ingenuity and a lot of duct tape. Friendly? His door – and his heart – were always open, and his ability to keep them.

As we say goodbye to this man, we do so with a smile on our faces, because that’s precisely how he would’ve wanted.

So here’s to John Kiel Gillmore. Rest in peace, your presence will be missed.

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