John R. Loveday
Marcy, NY

Mr. John R. Loveday, age 72, of Marcy, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 5, 2017, at his home with family at his side. Born in Gloversville, NY, on August 27, 1944, John was the son of the late George and Grace (Persse) Loveday. He was raised and educated in Gloversville and graduated from Gloversville High School. He continued his education by attending the College of Forestry at Syracuse University (presently known as the College of Environmental Science), where in 1966, he received a bachelor's degree in Landscape Architecture. He then accepted an assistant professorship from Penn State University and he later earned a master's degree in Landscape Architecture. From 1974 through 1976, John was employed as a landscape architect with the firms: Kotz & Shnieder and Heuber, Hares & Glavin, both located in Syracuse, NY. In 1976, John accepted a position with Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation (now known as National Grid Power Corporation) in Syracuse as an Environmental Forester and was quickly promoted to Regional Forester. John’s hard work ethic and knowledge allowed him to rise in the company to become the Superintendent of Forestry, Central Division. John retired after more than twenty-seven years of loyal service.
On June 29, 2009, John married the former Jodie Weaver in WY. The couple enjoyed many of the same activities such as traveling, hunting, and shooting sporting clays. They truly enjoyed each other’s company. At one time, John had been wed to the former Dawn Carparelli who passed away at a young age leaving him to raise their daughter.
As a self-taught master taxidermist and artist, John created many custom award-winning mounts with animals of every type from around the world. His expert skills and precision allowed him to create a truly life-like appearance on every mount. His memberships included the Vernon National Shooting Preserve and the NRA.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Jodie; a daughter, Alyssa Loveday, of Utica; a son, James Loveday, of Vancouver, BC; his step children, Brian and Tara Demma, and Keith Demma, all of North Carolina; two grandchildren, Brynn and Kayla Demma; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Thomas and Jennifer Loveday, of VA, and Daniel and Susan Loveday, of FL. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins, and his in-laws, Ronald and Ruth Weaver, of Baldwinsville, and William Weaver, and Gary Weaver, both of Florida. John also leaves his “adopted daughter”, Kelli Thomas, her companion, Dan Grimes, and her children, DyAnna, Alexandria, and Isaiah, all of New Hartford; and his canine companion “Lil Bear” who was by his side every step of the way.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday afternoon from 4:00-7:00 at the Adrean Funeral Service, Inc., 700 Rutger St., corner of Mohawk St., Utica (at the Matt Funeral Home). John's funeral service and celebration of life will commence on Wednesday morning at 10:30 at the funeral home.
Johns’s family wishes to express their heart felt gratitude to his care giver, Husmira Cejvanovic for the tenderness and friendship that she shared with John and Jodie throughout his illness. The nurses and staff of Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc. are also to be commended for the care and compassion that they displayed through this most difficult time.
Please consider memorial contributions in John’s memory to Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 4277 Middle Settlement Road, New Hartford, NY 13413 or The ALS Association,135 Old Cove Road, Suite 213 - Liverpool, NY 13090 Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.