John D. Virgilio, age 91, passed away peacefully at St. Johns Home on March 22, 2021. Born June 9, 1929 in Henrietta, NY, the son of Nicola and Elisabeth Virgilio, John grew up in Henrietta and graduated from Monroe High School in Rochester, NY. He worked many jobs, including landscaping and selling evergreen trees from his home which he called Blue Spruce Farm. John was hired by the Rush-Henrietta School District in 1954, and eventually oversaw facilities at the high school until his retirement in 1984. He then worked for O’Connor Chevrolet and Nazareth College.

On July 23, 1955, John married Phyllis E. Stehler. A son was born in 1957, and a daughter in 1960. They celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary in 2020. John’s interests included playing the guitar and harmonica, listening and dancing to Country & Western music, and working occasionally as an auctioneer. His main interest was in railroads, and he worked for a time at the East Rochester Yards moving trains around. In 1964, one of these trains was headed for the scrap heap by the Iron & Metal Company, so John purchased the 35-ton locomotive with the help of donations from local businesses and the community. John and his family spent summers going on vacations, and in 1972, along with his brother, Joseph and family, visited Italy to see the sights and meet relatives there. John and Phyllis continued to travel, taking annual trips to North Conway, NH for Railfan Week, and taking cruises to the Caribbean Islands, Panama Canal and Alaska. They also visited China, Africa, and many European countries. John and Phyllis found a winter home at Ocean Resorts in Florida, where they spent over 20 years enjoying the warm weather and making new friends.

John is survived by his wife, Phyllis, of 65 years; son, Barry Virgilio (Niagara Falls, NY); daughter, Sherry Migliorini (North Haven, CT); five grandchildren: Mykel, Alyssa, Kaitlyn, Emily and Julia; his sister, Mary Masciangelo, as well as with nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and 2 beloved dogs. John was predeceased by his sister, Angelina Virgilio; brother, Joseph Virgil; half-brother, Vincent DiVirgilio and nephews, John and James Virgil.

There will be a short funeral service for the immediate family. A Celebration of Life for John will be held at their home on Sunday, May 30, 2021 from 1pm-4pm. All are welcome.