ALBANY – John Austin Fox, 68, of Albany, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 29, 2017, after more than a two-year courageous struggle with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease). John was born in Albany, the son of the late John B. Fox and Elinor Austin Fox. He lived in the area all his life. He was a graduate of Cardinal McCloskey High School, where he lettered in basketball and track. He also graduated from Hudson Valley Community College, and was in the first class of males to graduate from the College of Saint Rose in Albany. He served in the Army National Guard for six years. He also taught biology at Vincentian Institute for a year, and then was employed for the rest of his career of 37 years by the New York State Dept. of Health, where he retired as a laboratory center administrator. John was raised spending summers at Saratoga Lake, and always enjoyed the water, the beach, and camping. He also enjoyed photography, especially of family events, and was a part time wedding photographer. He loved sports and played in a number of basketball leagues and senior softball leagues, enjoyed gardening, and was a major animal lover. There was not a dog, cat, horse, bird, or any animal, injured or not, that he did not try to help or befriend. Some describe him as a talented handyman, but actually he was more like a self-taught contractor, known to install a new kitchen or replace the sill plate on his home, all to exacting standards. John was always there to lend a hand to everyone, and loved mentoring people. Recently, he liked to share his big sense of humor, and any helpful experience with others dealing with the disease of ALS.
John is survived by his beloved wife and soulmate, Mary Patricia Breedlove Fox; his devoted siblings Susan Miller (Stewart) of Las Vegas, Nevada; Paula Fox-Murphy of Troy, Edwin Fox (Lora) of Latham, Mary Ellen Macri (John) of Averill Park, Paul E. Fox (Paula) of Loudonville, Elinor McDermott (Tom) of East Greenbush, and Lisa Zarzycki of Rensselaer; also by many sisters and brothers-in-law, and many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. His faithful companion dog, Mollie, was always by his side.
The family would like to thank Dr. Jeffrey Perkins, and Dr. Roberta Miller, also Elizabeth Hanlon, Denise, and other staff of the Eddy VNA for the wonderful care they provided to John; and also Karen Spinelli, Zach Tonkin, and all the staff of the St. Peter’s Hospital ALS Regional Center for the wonderful care and support they provided to John and his family.
Funeral services will be held in the Hans Funeral Home, 1088 Western Ave., Albany, Monday morning at 9:00, and from there to the Parish of Mater Christi, Hurst Ave. & Hopewell St., Albany at 10:00. Relatives and friends are invited, and may call at the funeral home Sunday from 3-7 p.m. Interment will be in Our Lady of Angels Cemetery, Colonie. The family suggests memorial contributions to the St. Peter’s Hospital ALS Regional Center, 19 Warehouse Row, Albany, NY 12205. To leave a message of condolence for the family or obtain directions to the funeral home, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com.
Heather Massaro
I am so very sorry for your families loss. I have fond memories of John the few times I met him in the years I was cutting Pat’s hair.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Dorothy Lawyer
Patricia and Family, I am so sorry to hear of John’s death. I didn’t know him well personally, but over the years it was obvious what kind of man he was and how much he cared for his family. Throughout his horrible disease Mary and Scott often spoke of his personal strength and courage as he battled it. I know he will be missed, but as time passes the memories of what a good man he was will replace the gut -wrenching feelings of loss. My prayers are with all of you during this very sad time.
Cathy and Joe Katagiri
Dr. Johnny and Pat,
Our deepest condolences. The memories we share are treasures. You are an important of our lives, good friends who were there when we needed you and always laughing and happy when we met.
Love you,
Cathy and Joe
Betsey VanDenburgh
We were all very saddened to hear of your brother’s passing. Please know we share in your grief.
Our faith tells us that your brother has gone to his eternal rest. It should give us solace to know that he is at peace and will reap his just rewards for the good life that he lived.
The Bible says “Blessed are they that mourn for they will be comforted.” I pray that God will bestow his choicest blessings on you and your wonderful family.
May God Bless You.
Faithfully Yours,
Betsey, Jack & Carol
Deb Larkin
John was my coworker and friend. He was as described and so much more. He had a wicked sense of humor and shared it freely. He was an amazing photographer, he photographed my wedding. We will miss you forever Foxy!
Donna Henline
I’m so sorry for your loss. I have so many fond memories of John- During my younger years. The Fox boys could always make you laugh. I hope he is laughing now that his suffering has ended.
Fondly, Donna (O’Leary) Henline
Krystyna Ahlers (Paul's daughter)
<3 Sending prayers and love. <3
I will pray for John in heaven and for all his family and friends mourning his death.
<3
Karen VanAmburgh Kelefant
To the family of John Fox,
So sad to read of John’s passing. My deepest sympathy to all . I have so many fond childhood memories of playing with Paula at the Fox house on No. Pearl Street. Sending my prayers to all of you.
Elizabeth Mugrace Stewart
Paula,
I am so sorry for the loss of your brother John. My condolences to you and your family.
Beth Mugrace Stewart
Stephanie Anderson
I was so heartbroken to hear of John’s passing. May he be free of pain and Rest In Peace. I worked with John at the Department of Health and considered him a friend. He was kind, devoted and had a great sense of humor. I will always remember him fondly. Much love to all of his family … hold on to each other, all of your memories will comfort you.
Stephanie Anderson
Dunedin, Florida
Mary Jane Breedlove
Patty, So sorry to hear of your loss of your dear John. Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in this time of grieving. I will always remember him for his great sense of humor and the way he lightened up some difficult times for me.
Richard Gleason
I’m so glad I got to renew my friendship with John, we were good childhood friends. Recently, I got to pick up where we left off. John had an fantastic memory. He remembered everything from our childhood which gave us many laughs.
I’ll miss him.