| Date of Birth | December 26, 1935 |
| Date Deceased | September 8, 2022 |
| Hometown | Hammondsport / Tampa |
| Home State | N.Y. / FL |
John Richards Lonergan
HAMMONDSPORT – John Richards Lonergan, 86 of Hammondsport, NY and Tampa, FL passed away peacefully on September 8, 2022 at the VA Medical Center in Bath, NY after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease. He was born on December 26, 1935 in Madison, WI to John L. & Erma I. (Richards) Lonergan. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin, he married the love of his life, the former Diane Jorgensen in September 1961. They were married for almost 61 years.
John was a graduate of the Wisconsin Military Academy as a 2nd Lieutenant. As a member of the Army National Guard, he was called to active duty for one year during the Berlin Crisis. Together, John & Diane went to Fort Lewis, WA in October 1961. After returning from active duty John was hired by Corning Glass Works, July 1963. He served in many capacities during his employment, ending as Director of Product Litigation. He retired from Corning after 32 years in 1995.
John had a passion for old and unusual things. He collected antique cars, built his own working lighthouse and traveled the world with Diane. But most of all he loved spending time with his children and grandchildren at their Keuka Lake home enjoying boat rides, campfires and fireworks every 4th of July.John is survived by his beloved wife, Diane and 3 daughters – Kelly (John) Aebli of Endwell,NY, Shari (Michael) Gustin of Rochester,NY, and Canden Simmons & partner Martin Janda of Rochester, NY and his 5 grandchildren – Kevin (Carly) Aebli, Kimberly (David) Ermacor, Zachary Aebli, Ryan Gustin and Elijah Simmons.
The family wishes to express their thanks and gratitude to the 3B floor care team at the VA hospital for their care & kindness to John & his family during his final days. At John’s request, services will be private and at the convenience of the family.
The Bishop & DeSanto Funeral Home, 35 Main St., Hammondsport, is honored to assist John’s family with the arrangements.
Online condolences or remembrances of John are welcome in the comment section below or on the Facebook page of Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home.
Dear Mrs. Lonergan & my sweet childhood friends, Kelly, Shari, Canden & all of your beautiful Families –
My heart broke to learn of the news of Mr. Lonergan’s passing.
Although so many years have passed – my memory is vibrant of a handsome, super smart, fun, accomplished, loving husband and father.
I was always so intrigued by your RV Wisconsin travels, during the summers, to visit with far away family.
And later, my career took me to Wisconsin on a regular basis as my Corporate offices were based in Milwaukee.
I literally thought of the Lonergan’s magical RV travels, every time I flew to Corporate (and that was a lot!).
I fondly remember riding my banana seat bike (with my blue barbie case attached to the handlebars) to play with Kelly, when we all lived in Chambersburg, PA.
Fast Forward to the Lonergans in Horseheads, when the Bloise family moved back to NYS as Kelly & I were entering High School.
I’m not sure / remember how we reconnected, but I was again reunited with my beloved Lonergans & even went to high school for a day with Kelly!
How did we do that?!
I even recall attending a Horseheads High School Prom & remember Kelly & I getting dressed up at her house for the event.
I digress….
My above memories (& so many more) were surrounded & lovingly embraced by Mr & Mrs. Lonergan, who so adored their children.
How lucky was I to have had a minute in time with this amazing, fun loving & spirited family…
My husband & I JUST ( 1 month ago) moved to Ohio (after living in Dallas for 14 years) because my father-in-law who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease 7 years ago, is taking a turn for the worse.
When I learned that Mr Lonergan suffered from this horrible disease as well, my heart broke further.
I am sending my deepest condolences, love, light and many prayers for peace and comfort to you all.
Sure would love to re-re-connect with my beautiful Lonergans again.
Gina Bloise-Burkhart
Diane and family;
We were very sorry to hear about the passing of John, but that still doesn’t take away from the many enjoyable times we all enjoyed together when you were in Horseheads and we were in Elmira. There were many fun times together and which bring back some very enjoyable memories.
In sympathy,
Dick & Marilyn Kozacko
Raleigh, NC
Dearest Diane:
We just read about and are sorry to learn of John’s passing. He was a funny man and you were a wonderful couple. Jan and I remember many wonderful meetings of the “Wine Tasting” group. Diane, we hope the best for you and your family.
Hello All-
I was just scrolling through the Obituaries online today and was sad to see that Mr Lonergan
passed away. Many fond memories from times at your house in Davenport Forrest with Kelly
and friends! May your entire family find comfort in all of your fond memories! So sorry –
All the best Kelly, Shari & family-
Your Friends
Julie & Jim Kucko
Dearest Diane and family!
The news of John’s passing has deeply saddened us. We love the two of you and we are happy for our memories and stories we had with John. He was a real hoot!
We hope to see you very soon and the kitties miss you too
Love, Lisa and Tim
I’m sorry to hear of your Dads passing, Shari.
I’m in HHDS and often circle the old neighborhood and see the large columns on your Woodland Dr. home every time.
I could name who lived in almost every house on Woodland, Churchill and County Line Dr. over there 1982-ish time frame.
And who could miss the Lonergan lighthouse going up the east side of Keuka going up to our place by the Switz!~
If memory serves me correct. I think you guys bought our house at 20 Allman Ave. when my dad left Corhart in Buckhannon and you guys were just coming in. Do you remember that house having an intercom system at front door and all throughout the house? I thought that was so cool for a house built in the early 70’s. CGW kids often re-unite in other CGW states. I was 8 years old in that WV home when I first met my wife Nancy! Her Dad was Jack Hart another CGW alumni who lived on Shawnee Dr., Buckhannon.
Condolences to all the family….
Stuart & all of the McCarthy’s
Class of ’82
(formerly of 120 Woodfland Dr., but they call it 45 Churchill now)