John Emery Storer

John E. Storer, 87, passed away peacefully on May 12th with his devoted wife of 50 years (Joan) by his side, and surrounded by his children in HCA Putnam Hospital in Palatka, Florida, near his beloved winter home. The staff in this hospital were exceptional in care and compassion. The family noted with awe the gracious concern and genuine benevolence of the hospital community, even those who did not have direct care for John.

He will be greatly missed for the wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather that he was. We will mostly miss and remember his great advice, his adorable humor, his ability to join in a conversation about most any topic, his patience and graciousness, and his love for all things sweet. Nothing made us happier than seeing him enjoy his beloved vanilla cake and ice cream or lemon meringue pie. He was a great listener and he showed his love for us in the most endearing ways, whether it was welcoming a new pet, making sure our cars were in good working order, or a million other gestures, big and small. Even in his last days as a patient in ICU, we overheard the nursing staff say, “He is our favorite!”.

Born in Lanesboro, PA, he was the only child of his parents, Emery and Mabel.

He was a graduate of SUNY Oneonta with a teaching certificate and earned his principal certification at The University of Scranton. He served as a high school history teacher, assistant principal and retired as principal at Whitney Point High School in 1995. He worked summers and part time while teaching as a Deputy Sheriff for the Broome County Sheriff's Department.

He was a Freemason, and a member of First United Methodist Church, Chenango Bridge.

He was predeceased by his father, Emery, when he was a teen; his mother, Mabel (Abrams) in 2011; and his son, Christopher (Colvin), in 2021.

He is survived by his wife, Joan, his children: Cindy (Joe) Cimaomo, Scott (Angela) Storer, Kathy (Brad) Phillips, Tricia (Dan) Buchy and Catherine Colvin. Grandchildren: Nicoleena Storer, Sarah (Andrew Yurman-Glaser) Phillips, John Phillips, Karen (Ryan) Schreiber, Lexie (Ryan) Dennison, Emily Clapper, Adam Colvin, AJ Colvin. Step Grandchildren: Joseph(Cynthia) Cimaomo, Trisha (Kevin) Sanders. Great Grandchildren: Lucille and Joanie Yurman-Glaser, Jack and Isabel Schreiber, and George Clapper. Step Great Grandchildren: Ryan and Logan Cimaomo, and Colton, Avery and Owen Sanders. Also surviving are numerous and very special cousins, nieces and nephews.

We, his children, remember wonderful camping trips to Bethany, Rehobeth, and Myrtle Beaches, Merritt Island, Florida, and a few surprise weekend “shake down cruises”, as he dubbed them at a nearby campground to “break in” a new RV.

In later years, he greatly looked forward to annual fishing and camping trips with his son, Scott, on the St. Lawrence River in the Thousand Islands. He was a “class act” - a category he gave many he admired. We adored the way he cared for our mother, deferring to her wishes, always clearing the snow from her car and other gentlemanly acts of love. He adored her and cherished her above all else. She was his calming force and he never wanted to be far from her. He was very personable to all he came in contact with; sincerely cared about the well-being of the WPCS students and loved talking about cars, fishing, and hunting with them as he was monitoring the hallway between classes. Many of his students felt he treated them fairly and with respect. They considered him “One of the best”.

His grandchildren cherish memories of his full commitment to play, and are equally grateful to have had him as a confidant through the trials of adolescence and adulthood. He was a man who saw us and took us seriously through every stage of life.

The family will receive friends Wednesday, May 27th from 10-11 AM at the First United Methodist Church, 740 River Road, Binghamton 13901. Services will begin at 11 AM and will be presided by Pastor Robert Clark. Reverend Tim Taugher, Pastor of St. Francis of Assisi will be co-celebrating. Burial will immediately follow at Glen Castle Cemetery 321 Castle Creek Road, Binghamton.In Lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in John’s memory to First United Methodist Church P.O. Box 501 Chenango Bridge, NY.