John R. Reese

John Richard Reese

John Richard Reese, 55, of Johnstown, NY, passed away peacefully on February 20, 2025, at Ellis Hospital in Schenectady, NY, after a long and courageous battle with COVID, pneumonia, and subsequent infections. He was surrounded by his loving family and friends as he left this world. Born on April 2, 1969, in Norwalk, CT, John was the beloved son of John Robert Reese and Patrisha Reese. He grew up in Ridgefield but spent his summers at Caroga Lake, NY, a place that always held a special place in his heart. John attended both Union College and Western New England College before dedicating several years of his life to Lexington ARC in Gloversville, where he made a meaningful impact on those he worked with. A passionate problem-solver, he loved building things and creating innovative solutions to challenges, especially those related to his arthrogryposis. He took great pride in proving wrong anyone who doubted his abilities. John cherished his peaceful countryside property outside of Johnstown, where he found joy in nature, his beloved dog, Midnight, and his parakeet, Willie. His love for science fiction and space, especially Star Trek, fueled his imagination and dreams. Fittingly, a part of his remains will be sent to space through Beyond Burials, a tribute to his lifelong fascination with the cosmos. Above all, John was a devoted father to his two sons, John Luke Reese (Tanya Reese) and Austin Jerad Reese. He was eagerly anticipating the birth of his first grandchild, a granddaughter, due on April 19, 2025. He is also survived by his sister, Jennifer Reese, and countless friends and family members who will forever cherish his memory. A public service to celebrate John’s life will be held on March 8, 2025, at 11:00 AM at the Paul Nigra Center, 2736 NY-30, Gloversville, NY 12078 . In honoring his adventurous spirit and unwavering determination, his family invites all who knew him to gather and share in the legacy of a man who never let obstacles define him. John’s brilliance, resilience, and humor will live on in the hearts of those he touched. May he now explore the stars he so dearly loved. "Live long and prosper."