John M. Gilmore

John M. Gilmore, a 44-year resident of Blooming Grove, NY, passed away on June 28, 2026, at the age of 76.

The son of the late John and Mary Gilmore, he was born in New York, NY, on March 8, 1950.

John served 4 years of active duty in the US Navy during the Vietnam War, then continued in the reserves spanning 1969-1985. When his USS Luce was decommissioned, he became a sentimental plank owner of the destroyer carrier he served on.  As he loved to initiate conversations with people wherever he was, he often engaged in friendly conversations with other fellas wearing a veterans hat like his own, oftentimes on a deli line. 

Through his quiet dedication and strong work ethic, he lent diligence and reliability to Con Edison for 38 years in capacity as a Construction Supervisor, 58 years for Madison Square Garden as Shop Steward until quite recently, and enjoyed remarkable opportunities at a young age like working at the Beatles concert at Shea Stadium alongside his father, his brother and friends he still has to this day since the tender age of 15.  He was proud of the longevity, the accomplishments, and camaraderie with all of his colleagues, in whose hearts he will likely live for ages, as they lived in his.  

Meeting and remembering people was one of his most remarkable talents, whether it was a new patient in the chemo chair beside him or someone walking into Madison Square Garden with a Knicks ticket whose face he recognized from reading their meter years before! 

John loved home cooking and holiday baking, though the family has often recalled and shared how much they enjoyed his terrible kitchen experiments, which gave them some unusual and memorable experiences. His pursuit of favorite bakeries was a great hobby.  He knew which ones had his favorites, and mileage was never a deterrent. He loved to bring a favorite bread to one of his doctors, who talked about it with him all the time! He was delightfully surprising in small and special ways.

Hardly an indulgent man when it came to himself,  he couldn't say no to a nice treat on the way home from infusion appts, most often a slice of Heaven Pizza or his beloved Chicken McNuggets with an enthusiasm unmatched by a 5-year-old.

John's love and energy, his aura, humility, humor, and sense of responsibility were evident in all that he did. He leaves a l lasting impact on those whom he served, loved, and supported. To those on the difficult journey alongside his own, he shared and encouraged them to embrace and accept, endure, and be hopeful, as his wife had shown him to do for himself. 

He was a faithful and good servant now resting in the peace which he knew was imminent and is so dearly deserved.

John leaves behind his wife Wendy, with whom he shared 53 years of companionship and devotion.

His love lives on in the hearts of their four children, Alyson, John Paul, Michael, and Wendy Sarah, as well as their respective spouses, Brian, Lisa, and Liane, and all of his grandchildren, all his pride and joy. His lessons and example are his legacy for the ages. 

As their dad, he served as a role model of devotion, loyalty, and responsibility without measure, undaunted or discouraged, no matter the challenges life would bring. Family was his reason for living and for fighting to continue living in order to be here for them with his support and practical advice, and watch their lives unfold. 

Grandpa John to Isabella, Sophia, and Dylan, his enduring love and gentle wisdom have grown along with them. He enjoyed and was blessed to see his work ethic carried on through their mutual enjoyment of life responsibilities, dedication to their educations, intelligence, and athletic abilities. Their similar ways with quirky humor and finding and sharing a great doppleganger with him.

John is also survived by his brother, Tom Gilmore, and his wife, Barbara, and his sister, Patricia O’Driscoll; her husband, Jimmy, along with numerous nieces and nephews. 

A Life Celebration will be held on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, from 1 pm to 8pm at Flynn Funeral & Cremation Memorial Centers, 3 Hudson Street, Chester, NY 10918.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at 10 am at St. Columba RC Church, 29 High Street, Chester, NY 10918.

Final Funeral Arrangements have been entrusted to Brendan T. Flynn, Thomas F. Flynn, and Megan Morales, Directors and Certified Cremation Specialists of Flynn Funeral & Cremation Memorial Centers, Inc.