"Dave Liebert I had the pleasure of working with John. He always managed to get me to smile with his outgoing style of friendship and infectious personality. I was unaware of his death until yesterday when I got a sympathy card from one of mine and John?s fellow workers. My 45 year old daughter died of brain cancer on January 29th. She was kind, fun loving person, who always had a smile on her face and was dedicated to her students, friends and family. I felt that John was the same type of person and it is a great loss to all those who knew him. I hope that your family has the same level of support and love that we received. "
In loving memory of
John C. Pace
August 23, 1960 - February 4, 2023
John C. Pace
Hilton - Passed away on Saturday, February 4, 2023 at the age of 62. John is survived by his wife, Mary (Parsons) Pace; sons, Ryan (Brittany) Pace, & Evan Pace; siblings, Theresa Wright, Vinny (Pam) Pace, & Joann (Randy) Butler; several nieces, nephews, cousins & dear friends.
John Pace was an upbeat, smart, and funny guy. He was born in Buffalo, NY in the summer of 1960 on August 23 to Rose and Salvatore "Sammy" Pace. His dad worked for the United States Postal Service while Rose was a homemaker and raised the children. John grew up with his sisters and brother; Theresa, Joann, and Vincent.
John attended Kenmore West High School, Buffalo State College, and eventually received his Master's in Business Administration at the University of Rochester, Simon School of Business. He put his education to work at Kodak and L3 Harris Government Systems.
One day his friends Ken and Maureen introduced him to the love of his life, Mary. Three years later they were married, and down the road their kids, Ryan and Evan were born. The family took many vacations out of the snow to the Caribbean, Bermuda, Jupiter, Florida, and Cape Cod.
John enjoyed being involved in his boys' lives, specifically with Hilton youth lacrosse. He was a builder of things and threw himself into projects and not surprisingly also liked working on cars. One thing you'd often hear from him was "Keep on trying till you get it right - 'press on.'"
Magnum PI (the old one...) and Simon & Simon were two of his favorite TV shows. When he went to the movies, he always splurged on popcorn with LOTS of extra butter. He loved the movies, "Top Gun: Maverick" and "That Thing You Do."
John was very sparing with his money, but generous with his heart. He was quirky and energetic with a youthful outlook, but always a true gentleman. He often said "I am finer than a frog hair!" which, for those of you that have never heard this mid-nineteenth-century American simile means, "I feel excellent!"
John's celebration of life will be Friday, February 10th, at 10 AM at the funeral home, 1411 Vintage Lane, (between 390 & Long Pond Rd.). In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Discovery Fund for Brain Cancer Research, 300 E. River Rd., PO Box 278996, Roch., NY 14627 in his memory.
Tributes
"So sorry for your loss, I loved working with John on many projects, lots of laughs and great memories. Rest in peace my friend."
"Dave Borowiec John - I love you buddy! I am so blessed to have known you since you ventured to Rochester long ago, to seek fame and fortune at Kodak. :-) It's been a great ride! AND you have a beautiful family!"
"Mary, Ryan and Evan, praying for you and your family. I remember the party you gave John when he received his Master?s degree. Keep the wonderful memories close to your heart.. Cheryl and Joe Zielinski "
"Mary and family? may my cousin Johnny rest in peace. My memories are all when we were young and so close. Time flew by. May you and your family find peace and cherish all those beautiful memories. As they always called me Kathy B (Kathy shaw and family may god bless all!)"
"Mary, I very sad for your loss. Your husband sounded like a good man. He was lucky to have you by his side. May he rest in peace and I will continue to pray for you and all your family and friends. Give yourself grace and take care of yourself. "
"Nancy Barbone Mary and family: I am saddened to learn of John?s passing. He was a very kind and caring person and will be missed. I remember all the fun times we had at our boy?s high school lacrosse games; Guido and I enjoyed all those times. I lost Guido a year ago at age 59; I know how difficult this is for you and the family; keep yourself surrounded with the love and care of your family and friends?it will help immensely. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. ~Nancy Barbone"
"Mary, Ryan, Evan and family, we are so shocked and saddened to hear of Johns passing. John was a wonderful man. John always made you smile and laugh. We were blessed to have John and the Pace family in our lives. Prayers and our deepest condolences to your wonderful family. Hugs, love and prayers Bob, Sue,Blake, Luke and Taylor Trowbridge Browns Summit, North Carolina"
"I am so sorry to read of John's passing. We worked together at Kodak on a very difficult project. John was a bright, stand up guy, and a pleasure to work with. He loved his family and spoke of them fondly. My prayers are with you all."
"He will be truly missed. Always made everyone laugh and smile. He was a great guy. Loved when the family would come to our restaurant. Holiday laughs and so much more. Keep smiling up there John. Heaven has gained another angel. Or deepest condolences to all his family "
"John you are one of my brothers forever from Buff State and Kodak. So many memories with you and Mary from Buffalo to Rochester. God rest your soul and console your family. "
"Mary-to you and the whole family I am so very sorry for your loss. May the memorials you hold in your heart help you through this difficult time. Kristen"