John Wilcox
1944-07-08 2021-12-04
John Wilcox
Ormond Beach Fl - John R. Wilcox, Jr., age 77, passed peacefully on Saturday, Dec. 4, at his home in Ormond Beach, FL, surrounded by loved ones. He was born July 8, 1944 in Ithaca, NY, to John R. Wilcox, Sr. and Bernice B. Wilcox (Smith). He graduated from Ithaca High School in 1962 and subsequently enlisted in the U. S. Navy. Always interested in music, during high school he was a member of the IHS marching and concert bands, orchestra, and choir. A talented drummer and percussionist, he played with the U.S. Navy Show Band while traveling through numerous countries in South America on good-will tours. Preceding and following his time in the Navy, he was well- known for playing with numerous bands around the Ithaca area.
After retiring from a long career with the U.S. Postal Service, he enjoyed life while indulging in favorite interests including the Cornell Rail Club, attending Renaissance Festivals (where he learned to play the bowed psaltery), and later attending Blue Grass festivals with his second wife Marie.
John was a gentle, caring soul who loved the simple things in life and was cherished by family and friends. He leaves behind his wife Marie Wilcox, sister Linda Madeo (Karl), and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. He also leaves Marie's daughters and their families whom he loved as his own: Susan Purtell (Larry), Christine Schell (Jim), Amy O'Donnell (John), Melissa Spencer (Richard), and Ashlee McNally (Shane). He was predeceased by his first wife Barbara U. Wilcox, both of his parents, step-mother Ruth W. Wilcox, step-father Raymond Smith, and step-sister Toni Williams. Services will be private.
Posted online on December 12, 2021
Published in The Ithaca Journal
Ormond Beach Fl - John R. Wilcox, Jr., age 77, passed peacefully on Saturday, Dec. 4, at his home in Ormond Beach, FL, surrounded by loved ones. He was born July 8, 1944 in Ithaca, NY, to John R. Wilcox, Sr. and Bernice B. Wilcox (Smith). He graduated from Ithaca High School in 1962 and subsequently enlisted in the U. S. Navy. Always interested in music, during high school he was a member of the IHS marching and concert bands, orchestra, and choir. A talented drummer and percussionist, he played with the U.S. Navy Show Band while traveling through numerous countries in South America on good-will tours. Preceding and following his time in the Navy, he was well- known for playing with numerous bands around the Ithaca area.
After retiring from a long career with the U.S. Postal Service, he enjoyed life while indulging in favorite interests including the Cornell Rail Club, attending Renaissance Festivals (where he learned to play the bowed psaltery), and later attending Blue Grass festivals with his second wife Marie.
John was a gentle, caring soul who loved the simple things in life and was cherished by family and friends. He leaves behind his wife Marie Wilcox, sister Linda Madeo (Karl), and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. He also leaves Marie's daughters and their families whom he loved as his own: Susan Purtell (Larry), Christine Schell (Jim), Amy O'Donnell (John), Melissa Spencer (Richard), and Ashlee McNally (Shane). He was predeceased by his first wife Barbara U. Wilcox, both of his parents, step-mother Ruth W. Wilcox, step-father Raymond Smith, and step-sister Toni Williams. Services will be private.
Posted online on December 12, 2021
Published in The Ithaca Journal