John J. Nehme, Sr.

John J. Nehme, Sr. age 69, of Utica, passed away on Thursday October 3, 2024, at the Wynn Hospital, with his loving family at his side.

He was born in Utica on January 14, 1955, a son of the late George and Georgette Lewis Nehme and was a 1973 graduate of Utica Free Academy. John furthered his education having attended MVCC and Upper Division College where he earned his bachelor’s degree. He then graduated from SUNY Oswego with his master’s in education and his Certificate of Teaching.

 John dedicated his professional life as an educator, coach, advisor, and passionate advocate for students and teachers alike. For over 30 years, he was a Business Education Teacher at both Utica Free Academy and Thomas R. Proctor High School. During his tenure, John was responsible for securing a grant funded School-to-Work program that enabled him to work tirelessly to secure internships, summer employment, and full-time jobs for countless students throughout Oneida County. His teaching colleagues viewed him as the “go to guy” when it came to matters of advocacy for the teachers, their union, and the central school administration.

 A fervent sports enthusiast, John played varsity Baseball and Soccer and was a long-distance runner for many years. Outside the classroom, he coached several youth sports, was among the biggest cheerleaders for the athletes and coaches, and volunteered countless hours, and provided significant support for any number of the high school and local youth sports teams. For more than 20 years, John, or “Captain Nemo” as many referred to him, was a proud member of the Mohawk Valley Baseball Umpires Association, and was widely known, and respected by players, parents, and coaches alike. He demonstrated a remarkable resilience in the face of boisterous, sometimes overzealous parents when it came to the way he would call a game, but never did he let any of that get in the way of his commitment to ensuring the players had an enjoyable and meaningful experience on the field. He was a lifelong rabid fan of the New York Yankees and the New York Giants.

 In addition to his teaching career, John was the quintessential caterer and host, a gifted chef, and was incredibly generous when it came to preparing and sharing meals with family, friends, and even strangers. He worked for many years tending bar at Ristorante Alfredos, and for many private functions, a hobby he enjoyed principally because of his love of people and his larger-than-life personality.

 John volunteered countless hours for many of the special events and fundraisers for Saint Louis Gonzaga Maronite Catholic Church, and numerous nonprofit and youth sports organizations throughout his life.

 John is survived by his two beloved sons and daughters-in-law, John Jr. and Nicole (Brockway) Nehme of Sauquoit and Joseph and Ilyana (Rahman) Nehme of Dewitt, and their mother Joan Mody Nehme, his wife of several years and cherished friend for 40 years; his precious grandsons Noah and Remy; his loving brother George G. Nehme of Utica and his dear sister and brother-in-law Donna and Rick Rumery of CT.; his brother-in-law Rocco Carzo of Frankfort and several loving nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends. He was predeceased by his parents and his beloved sister Helen Nehme Carzo.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Divine Liturgy of the Faithful Departed this Tuesday morning Oct. 8th, at 11:00 am in St. Louis Gonzaga Church, 520 Rutger St. Utica.

The family will greet all visitors at the conclusion of mass in church.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of John, may be made to the Proctor Football Boosters, 717 Ravine Dr. Utica, NY 13502. Envelopes will also be available at church (donors should specify the specific sports team designation on the check or envelope).

Expressions of sympathy and support for his family can be made online www.scalaroefaro.com

 The family wishes to express its deepest appreciation to Dr. Michael Kelberman, and the ICU staff at the Wynn Hospital for their compassionate care of John throughout his illness, and the respect and dignity with which they accorded his children and extended family.

Funeral arrangements by The Scala & Roefaro Funeral Home Inc. 1122 Culver Ave., David Roefaro and Stephen Karboski, Directors.