John Francis Dhayer, known to friends as “JD” died at his summer home in the Town of Frankfort, New York on 3 Aug 2025 after a brief illness.

     John was born in Cross Creek Township, Pennsylvania on 7 Oct 1937 to John B Dhayer & Ella Rebecca Call. He grew up in the “hollers” of Pennsylvania along with his eight siblings and attended a one-room schoolhouse before attending high school where he played football and baseball. Following graduation from high school John enlisted in the US Navy serving for 8 years with duties including flying PBY’s to South America. John contracted tuberculosis while in the Navy and spent 4 years in VA hospitals. After leaving the Navy, John worked at Oneida Limited and for the New York State Troopers. He then spent 12 years as a police officer in Canastota. While on the police force, he decided to take advantage of the GI bill to further his education attending MVCC and Utica College, eventually earning his Master’s degree from Syracuse University. He then became an associate professor in the Criminal Justice Department of MVCC retiring in 1995. While teaching at MVCC, he served as the Town Justice for the Town of Paris. During his years teaching he enjoyed golfing at Pine Hills with the crew from MVCC and at Sauquoit Knolls owned by his friends the Getz’s.

     John was an avid history buff enjoying documentaries on PBS and reading numerous history books.  His particular interest in WWII may have been inspired by the service of his Call uncles Kenny, Charles, Merle, Robert (who died in Lyons, France), and David.

      Following his retirement, John and his partner Diane Smith traveled through the southwest, living and remodeling homes in New Mexico and Arizona; eventually returning to North Carolina and Florida. They have lived in Florida since 2010 while spending summers in New York. The sunshine states were a draw for golfing. He and Diane would cook together to the entertainment of family and friends who described their interaction in the kitchen as a dance. John had numerous occasions to use his woodworking skills on their 100-year-old summer home in Frankfort.

     John leaves his partner of 30 years Diane Smith along with his children Molly Dhayer  Armijo  and her husband Jerry Armijo of Argyle, Texas, John Dhayer Jr, and his partner Connie in New Woodstock, New York and Jenny Dhayer and her partner Chris of Oswego, New York along with his former wife Judy Dhayer of Oneida, New York. John also leaves his daughters Beth Dhayer, Amy Dhayer Hillenbrand, and Lauren Dhayer Trudeau along with 8 grandchildren especially Jerry, Nathan, and Evan Armijo. He also leaves his colleague and longtime friend Maryann DiMeo and his brothers Fred and Darlene of Bradenton, Florida and Rob and Estelle of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania along with numerous nieces and nephews.

     John was predeceased by his siblings Nancy Dhayer Burd, Dave Dhayer, Kathryn Dhayer Carter, Faith Dhayer Bradley, Rosemae Dhayer McLaughlin Anderson, and Jeffrey Dhayer.

     Final arrangements are entrusted to Heintz Funeral Service, Inc.; per John’s wishes there will be no visitation hours. In memory of John please consider a donation to your local PBS station or pbs.org.