John P. Fear

In Loving Memory

A Life Remembered with Love and Gratitude

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved John Fear, who left us peacefully on October 17, 2025, at the age of 89. He was surrounded by family. John was a cherished husband, father, friend and co-worker whose warmth, kindness, and generosity touched the lives of all who knew him.

Born on June 02, 1936, in Syracuse, NY, the fourth of five children, John grew up to be a remarkable individual, admired for his unwavering devotion to family, friends, and Church. As a youth he served as an altar boy. John was also a member of the Knights of Columbus in the past and successfully completed The Christian Formation Course.

John was a Christian Brothers Academy graduate. While at CBA, he took up trumpet so he could be in the Marching Band. He attended Syracuse University where he was a member of the Marching Band and worked on the school newspaper. He left SU when his father became ill and took a job to support his mother and sisters. He later received an associate’s degree in Radio and Television from Onondaga Community College.

He was a staunch supporter of Boy Scouts and served in leadership roles. He loved camping with the boy scouts.

He admired and looked up to his older brother, Bob, who served in WWII. John was a member of the Air National Guard and was called to active duty in October 1961 for the Berlin Crisis. Another brother, Thomas, died before John’s birth. John took the name Thomas at his confirmation. He grew up with two sisters, Anne and Mary as well.

He was known for his sense of humor, compassion, work ethic, and creativity and his legacy will continue to inspire those who were privileged to know John.

John is survived by his wife Mary Netto Fear. They would have celebrated 65 years of marriage on November 26, 2025. Surviving children are Robyn (Halyna Shaw) Fear, Leslie (Larry) Rusoff, Cheryl (Craig) Furze and Philip Fear. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Nicole Fearahn, Nicholas Price, Stephanie Price, Ashley Fear, Twins Samantha and Jordan Rusoff, Ariella Rusoff, Anna Fear, Amanda Fear and Andrew Fear and step grandchildren Ben and Adyn Lavine. Survivors also include many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Thomas and Helen (Perry) Fear, two brothers and two sisters.

An avid photographer, he found joy in photographing family, scenery and special occasions. His interest in photography began in childhood which he eventually parlayed into a career and became a TV news photographer. He worked for many years for WTVH TV on the production crew.

Family will celebrate his life privately.

His life was a testament to perseverance, love, and joy in simple moments. To leave a message of condolence for John’s family, or to share a special memory of John, please sign the guestbook below.

To honor their loved one, the family asks that donations be made to, and checks made out to: Nottingham Resident Forum Holiday Fund. Mail to: Barb Connollly-D208-Holiday Fund, 1301 Nottingham Road, Jamesville, NY 13078 in John’s memory. The family wishes to emphasize that the care he received at the Residential Health Care Facility at the Nottingham was outstanding and 100% of the money contributed to the Holiday Fund goes to staff.

John will be deeply missed but forever remembered in the hearts of those who loved him.

 To leave a message of condolence for John's family, or to share a special memory of John, please sign the guestbook below.