June 15, 1951 – July 1, 2025
John was born in New Rochelle, New York, and spent the first year and a half of his life in Germany before growing up in Park Forest, Illinois, and White Plains, New York. College was not his strong suit—particularly the class-attending part—and his journey eventually led him to a commune in San Francisco. There, a stint for marijuana possession landed him in jail, where he met an inmate who told him, “You should straighten out your life while you still have time.” The advice stuck.
With the help of our father, John was released and returned to the East Coast. He enrolled at American University, where he earned a B.A. in Communications.
John went on to build a successful career as a salesman for several photographic companies in New York, adapting skillfully as the industry transitioned from film to digital.
In 1987, he married Anne McClellan in a joyful ceremony in Brooklyn’s Prospect Park. The couple later sold their brownstone and moved to Highland, New York. Anne passed away on July 13, 2012.
After believing he might spend the rest of his life alone, John met the second love of his life, Aida Bustamante. They married on October 13, 2022. With Aida came not only joy and renewed purpose, but a family—her children, Natalia and Juan Pablo—and a growing circle of loving friends.
In his later years, John’s life blossomed. He became a passionate volunteer, advocate, and bridge-builder for the causes and communities he cherished: the Walkway Over the Hudson, the Ulster Immigrant Defense Network, his Quaker Meeting, and his Jewish heritage. He had a unique ability to build community, and he worked joyfully to connect and intertwine the people and places he loved.
John died tragically in an automobile accident on July 1, 2025. He will be deeply missed and warmly remembered by all who knew him.
To honor his legacy, please consider supporting the causes he championed. Volunteer. Build connection. Seek joy. And love life, as he did—fully and passionately.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 19th at 2:00 PM at the New Paltz Quaker Meeting House, 8 North Manheim Boulevard.
Join the family! 
