John B. Effinger

Greece - John Bernard Effinger, born Oct. 17, 1925, was called to his place in Heaven, June 26, 2021. It is our hope he will at last reunite with his parents, John and Loretta Dailey Effinger and his sister, Loretta Rockell. John is survived by his beloved and loving wife of 67 years, Caroline Matzke Effinger and their seven children, Bonnie Stewart (Scott), John, Peggy Kelley (Jerry), Glen, Brian (April), Suzanne Loucks, Genevieve Scrivens (Michael). Honest, Fair, Loving, Helpful, Hilarious, are just a few of the compliments his children speak of him. Survived also by beloved grandchildren, Jessica, Suzie, AJ, Christian, Amber, Heather, Summer, and Nathan. Fifteen great grandchildren who also remember Great Grampy with love and affection. And dear nieces and nephews scattered all over the country. He loved them all.


Shortly after he was born, John's mother died, and his father, who died a few years later, had to place him and Loretta in St. Joseph's Orphanage on Andrews St. in Rochester. The steeple and facade of old St. Joseph's Church are the only parts of those buildings still standing.


John and Loretta remained there for eleven years, receiving their up-bringing and schooling from the Notre Dame nuns. He was a faithful and tireless alter boy almost daily, even chosen to serve as the page during a visit to the city by Cardinal Mooney. When the orphanage closed in 1939, they were placed in foster homes. In 1942, when 17 years old, John left Edison Tech High School and enlisted in the US Navy. Serving in the Pacific theater during World War ll as an Electricians Mate, he participated in eight major invasions, and survived many harrowing experiences, including a ship's fire and three major typhoons. John's ship, the USS Donaldson, was the most decorated destroyer escort of WW ll. John was honorably discharged and returned to Rochester in 1946.


It was purely by chance that John applied and was accepted as an apprentice for the next four years, in the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local Union #86. For years, in addition to electrical construction, he served the Local, on the examining Board, Executive Board, and several committees before being elected as Local president in 1974. He remained as president for 12 years until he retired in 1986. He was always "for goodness and fairness for the rank and file. He received his 70 year pin 4 years ago. He has worked in different parts of Ohio, Pennsylvania, and NY State, but it is impossible to drive in the greater Rochester and Monroe County area very far, without passing a building or structure he helped build. Just before earning his Journeyman's Card, John met Caroline, who" loved him to pieces", and eventually they were married August 28, 1954. He always said their marriage was the best thing that ever happened to him. Calling themselves soul mates, they considered every day and hour together, a precious gift from God. For one never having had family life in his younger days, he was a world-class husband and father.


A special loving Thank You to the wonderful support our family received from UR Medicine Home Care. We will always deeply appreciate the wonderful expertise and care from them. And Thank You, Lenora Ince, for all the loving hands-on care you showed our dear husband and father, and your encouragement you gave us all.


Calling hours at the Farrell-Ryan Funeral Home, 777 Long Pond Rd. Rochester, NY, 14612-----Thursday, July 1, 4-7pm.


Funeral Mass at Holy Cross Church , 4492 Lake Ave. Rochester, NY 14612----Friday, July 2, 10AM


Interment---Westside Memorial Gardens, 60 Stryker Rd. Scottsville NY