John H. Collver, Jr., 74, of Deerfield, passed away on Monday January 11, 2021 at Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare. John was born on February 8, 1946, in Utica, NY, the oldest son of John Sr. and Lois (Bloomfield) Collver. He graduated from Whitesboro High School in 1964, then from MVCC, taking additional classes at SUNY, Marcy. John was first employed at Chicago Pneumatic where he worked as a tool designer and later a tool maker. He retired from Goodrich in Rome as senior manufacturing engineer. On October 8, 1967, John married his high school sweetheart D. Susan Brockett, in St. Mark’s Church, a union lasting 54 years, even if John said only 5! We enjoyed our lives together with love, honor and tremendous respect for each other. We were blessed with three children, David and his wife, Melody and one granddaughter, Alexis Rose, Dorene Whaley and her husband, David, and James and his wife, Amy and grandsons, Brighton and Caleb and David Poe and great grandson, Mason Poe and also one god daughter, Michele Blatt and the Deerfield Vol. Fire family of friends. John is survived by two brothers, Michael and wife, Gloria and nephew, Jason, and was predeceased by nephew Craig and Timothy and wife, Charlotte and several nieces and nephews. John was predeceased by two sisters, Donna Harris and Mary Dewhurst and in-laws, Gene and Dorothy Brockett. John enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was exceptionally proud that he could deer hunt with his grandson, Brighton and was with him when he shot his first deer, a buck no less! Gramps loved his Princess Rose and Caleb, who always kept him on his toes! He would often speak of his trips to Barnes & Noble and Pizza Hut with David Poe. John was a very active member of the Deerfield Volunteer Fire Dept along with his son, David. He served on most of their offices and served as Chief for four years. In his early years he enjoyed participating in firematics. John is well known in the area departments for his dedication and friendship. While a member he developed strong friendships with Mike Winslow, Gary DeStefanis, Wayne Brosemer, Vinnie Costelli, Bob Tomaino and Joey “O” and others too many to mention-you know who you are! Now someone has to make “the sauce”. Besides being a member and past chief of the Deerfield Fire Dept, he was a member of the Deerfield Fish and Game Club, Oneida and Herkimer Counties Fire Chief Association, Believe 271, Engine 11, Northern NY Drill Teams Association and Deerfield Hose Busters. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you contribute to BELIEVE 271, 8530 Old Poland Rd., Barneveld, NY 13304, they do amazing work for sick firefighters. Thank you to everyone that has been on Facebook, your comments helped through a very difficult time. I personally want to thank, Paul and Lynn Riley and Jackie Haskell, without your help and support I’m not sure what I would have done. You were there for me when I needed someone the most. I will never forget your kindness. Also a special thank you to Joe and the girls at Top of the Morning, your kindness will not be forgotten. Mr. Collver’s funeral will be held on Tuesday, January 19, 2021 at 10:30 at St. Mark’s Church, Keyes Rd., N. Utica. A burial in West Schuyler Cemetery will take place in the spring. Calling hours for John will be held on Monday from 3-7 at the Heintz Funeral Home, 408 Herkimer Rd., N. Utica. All COVID protocols must be followed.