John S. Fouracre

May 27, 1942 - February 22, 2022

Obit - John S. Fouracre GENEVA - John Stuart Fouracre passed away peacefully on February 22, 2022 at Strong Memorial Hospital after a long battle with lung cancer. There will be no prior calling hours. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, March 5, at 2:00 p.m. at Presbyterian Church in Geneva. The Rev. Colin Prichard, Pastor will officiate. Memorial contributions may be given to the Geneva Public Library or the Presbyterian Church in Geneva. John was born on May 27, 1942 in Detroit, MI to Maurice H. Fouracre and Mary McClure Fouracre. He graduated from Tenafly High School in New Jersey in 1960, where he was a member of the varsity basketball team. John graduated from Hobart College with a BA in English in 1964 followed by a MA in Education from Elmira College. He met the love of his life, Karen DeBolt Fouracre, at a college mixer early in their freshman year. They married six days after college graduation. He worked for AT&T as a Long Lines Manager, which required their living in Washington DC, Wayne PA, and New York City. During that time, they welcomed children Betsy and Doug. In 1970, they moved back to Geneva where John taught English in several settings, most of which were at Geneva High School, retiring in 1999. John was an avid gardener, earning a Master Gardener certification from Cornell Cooperative Extension. He was also famous for his soups, which he loved to deliver to friends in need. John was a volunteer for the American Red Cross, working in disaster relief for 9/11 and Hurricane Wilma, as well as transporting bone marrow for transplantation. He was a dedicated board member and volunteer for the Geneva Public Library, serving as its President for several years. He served in various positions in the Presbyterian Church in Geneva, including elder, deacon, and clerk of Session. He also served 10 years on the board of Lochland School. John is predeceased by his parents Maurice and Mary Fouracre, sisters Mary Ellen Finster and Linda Holstein, brothers-in-law Jackson and Mark DeBolt, sister-in-law Ann DeBolt, as well as grandson Charles Ellison. He is survived by his wife Karen, daughter Betsy and son-in-law Rich Ellison, son Doug and daughter-in-law Katie Fouracre, grandchildren Natalie Ellison and Jack and Erin Fouracre, and grandson-in-law Mike Rinaldi. Also surviving are sister-in-law Jackie DeBolt and brothers-in-law Don and Steve DeBolt. John was absolutely delighted to officiate Natalie and Mike’s wedding in June, and wore traditional Scottish garb for the occasion, festooned in McLoud tartan.