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Memorial Keepers (2)

Beach Funeral Homes - East

John Anthony Amarel

May 12th, 1931 - January 16th, 2025

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John Anthony Amarel peacefully passed away in his Melbourne Beach, Florida home on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at the age of 93. His wife of 66 years, Joyce, was by his side.

 

Born May 12, 1931 in Massena, New York, he was the oldest of seven children in the family of John Cordeiro Amarel from the Azores Islands, Portugal and Angeline Giovannone of Massena, NY.

 

As a 1948 graduate of Massena High School, he triple-lettered in hockey, baseball, and football, where he was a running back known as “Mr. Inside.” Following high school, John was drafted to play professional football by the Montreal Alouettes; however, chose to continue his education studying mathematics at St. Michael’s College in Vermont on a full football scholarship. He returned to Massena where he joined the Police Department, and co-founded and played for the Massena Warriors, a semi-pro football team. In 1952, John enlisted in the U.S. Army with the Military Police at Fort Gordon and Fort Belvoir; his assignments included Secret Service protection for President Eisenhower. Before leaving the service, he obtained a certification in law enforcement from the University of Maryland. John was awarded the National Defense Service Medal for serving during the Korean War and received an Honorable Discharge in 1954.

 

John married Joyce, the love of his life, and moved to Rochester, NY, where he joined the staff of Bausch & Lomb. He enrolled at the University of Rochester, earned a degree in optical science, and attended the Rochester Institute of Technology for his MBA. He left B&L as Vice President of International Sales and Marketing in 1980 to establish his own optics company, Amarel Precision Instruments, headquartered in Fairport, NY. Under John’s leadership as CEO, API grew to a multimillion-dollar international business and manufacturing facility employing nearly 100 people over the years. API was recognized as one of the Rochester area’s 100 fastest growing businesses. His work took him worldwide, traveling to regions including China, Japan, India, Europe, Central and South America. He sold the company and retired in 2000.

 

John was a generous person involved in the community. He was a member of the Lions Club, served as a board member of Perinton Volunteer Ambulance Corps, sponsored and coached little league and hockey teams, and was instrumental in forming a Fairport golf league, that continues today. Continuing his love of sports, John played tennis, softball and hockey on recreational leagues until age 70, where his younger teammates affectionately referred to him as “Pops.” He was also a loyal Red

Sox and Packers fan. In his retirement, John was a 20+ year resident at Aquarina Beach & Country Club and at one time served on the Aquarina Golf Board.

 

John was a man of deep faith, and a founding member of the Church of the Resurrection in Fairport. He had a kind, humble and gentle soul, with a quick wit. His greatest love was for his family.

 

John is survived by his wife, Joyce (Carbone) Amarel; son, Tony Amarel (Candace Sorensen) Fairport NY, daughters, Suzanne Williams (Terry) Melbourne Beach, FL, Sherry Amarel (Chris Welch) of Rensselaer NY: grandchildren, Ally and Alexander Williams, Nick and Luke Amarel. John is also survived by siblings: Sylvia Infantine (Portland ME) Judy Amarel, Bill Amarel, Michael Amarel (Massena NY) and Gerald Amarel (Rancho Palos Verdes CA). He was predeceased by his sister Mary Amarel Davis.

 

Arrangements are being made for a Catholic Funeral Mass to be held at the Church of the Resurrection in Fairport, NY on Saturday May 10, 2025, at 10:30am. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in John’s memory to the American Heart Association or Health First Foundation - Hospice, 1350 S Hickory St., Melbourne, FL 32901.

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We Entrusted John Amarel's Care To

Beach Funeral Homes - East

Beach Funeral Homes - East

Nestled along the serene shores of Melbourne's Barrier Island, The Beach Funeral Home stands out as the only beachside funeral service provider, offering solace and support to the Brevard County and Palm Bay communities for over three decades. Our commitment to providing meaningful, affordable care has made us a cornerstone for families navigating the difficult journey of losing a loved one. We deeply value our community's rich tapestry of cultures and beliefs, striving to honor each family's unique traditions and religious practices with utmost respect....

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(321) 214-7337

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