John R. Coburn – 66 – of 5545 Crosby Creek Rd, Alfred Station, died early Sunday morning (March 3, 2013) at his home, following a long illness.

Born in Lackawanna, NY on January 3, 1947, he was the son of John & Mary (Dobbins) Coburn.

John grew up in North Boston, NY area and was a graduate of Hamburg High School (class of 1965).  He was a graduate of Alfred University where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Ceramic Engineering and his Master’s Degree in School Psychology.

He retired from Genesee Valley BOCES after 30 years, working at various schools in the district.  Following his retirement, he went on to earn a Paramedic Certificate from Corning Community College.  He also held certifications as an Emergency Medical Technician, EMTII, and Critical Care Technician.

For 33 years, John was an active member of volunteer fire service & ambulance corps, with companies in Leicester, Almond, and Alfred’s A.E. Crandall Hook and Ladder Company where he served terms as Chief, Assistant Chief, Truck Captain and Ambulance Captain. 

John volunteered for several years as a Special Olympics coach and was a committed member of the Order of Secular Franciscans and the Finger Lakes Soaring Club.  He loved the outdoors and was an avid sailor, glider pilot student, motorcyclist, downhill skier and a voracious reader. He loved sharing his gifts and mentoring others, young & old, in many ways.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Dorothy Grant.

John was married on June 8, 1968 (44 years) to the former Merry Neely who survives him. Also surviving are his children, Jason (Sybil) Coburn of Freeville, NY and Erica (John) Baer of Dansville; his sister, Marilou (Ronald) Webb of Mesquite, TX; his grandchildren, Sierra Baer, Shelby Baer, Isaiah Baer and a fourth grandchild expected in about 7 days; several nieces & nephews.

The family will be present to receive friends at a coffee hour on Saturday, March 9th, 2013 from 2-4 pm at Union University Church Center, Alfred, NY.  At John’s request a private Memorial Service will take place at a later date.

Remembrances in his name may be sent to Care First of the Southern Tier; Mt. Irenaeus Franciscan Mountain Retreat, P.O. Box 100, West Clarksville, New York; or the A.E. Crandall Hook and Ladder Company, Alfred, New York.

Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY