John J. Vangorder

John J. VanGorder

Ithaca, NY- After a courageous battle with cancer, John “JJ” VanGorder, 71, of Ithaca passed away peacefully on Thursday September 6, 2018 with loved ones at his side.

A lifelong resident of Ithaca, JJ was born October 17, 1946, the son of the late John F. VanGorder and Clara Amici VanGorder.

His growing up years were spent in the North Side neighborhood of Ithaca, at a time when grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins lived within blocks of each other.

In 2002, he retired from the City of Ithaca Fire Department after 34 years of service. Many of those years were spent as an EMT for Bangs Ambulance, where he was essential in advocating for the implementation of the current EMS program. During his time with the IFD, he spent almost two decades as a Motor Coach Operator (MCO) for the local charter bus company Swarthout and Ferris. He took particular enjoyment transporting the Ithaca College and Cornell sports teams to their games and events. Most recently you could find him Wednesday afternoons behind the bar for his retirement shift at the Fall Creek House.

As a lifetime member of the Ithaca Elks Lodge #636, JJ rarely missed a Sunday at the club watching golf or NASCAR races and enjoying a few of “Sweeter’s hot dogs”. He was an avid golfer participating in the Elk’s Ed Rundle Memorial golf league and many local tournaments, including the annual Flynn Memorial since its introductory year 35 years ago.

He enjoyed traveling down south to visit his children and grandchildren, in particular he looked forward to time spent in Florida fishing on his son Joe’s boat. Many years were spent taking trips with friends trying his luck in Las Vegas, Atlantic City and Saratoga.

He is survived by his wife Janet of 50 years, celebrated recently with a memorable family trip to Marco Island, Florida. His children Shelby (Marquis Brown) VanGorder of Athens, GA, Jocelyn (Jason June) VanGorder of Ithaca and Joe (Emily) VanGorder of Newberry, FL. Brother Donald (Kandace) VanGorder of Ithaca and sister Patricia (Bill Shippos) Darsie of VanEtten, NY. His grandchildren Sierra, Natalie, Keaton, Olivia, Hailey and Landyn. As well as, many cousins, nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

A special thank you is extended to the crew members of Bangs Ambulance, the Cayuga Medical Center ICU staff and Bridgewater Nursing and Rehab center in Binghamton who were so gentle, caring, kind and respectful to JJ and our family.

A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Wednesday September 12, 2018 at 11am at Immaculate Conception Church. Friends may call on Tuesday September 11, 2018 from 3-6pm at the Bangs Funeral Home. Internment in Calvary Cemetery will be private. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation in JJ’s name to the Ithaca Elks B.P.O.E. #636.

Visitation Tuesday, September 11, 2018 from 3 to 6 pm at Bangs Funeral Home.

Wednesday, September 12, 2018 11:00 AM

Immaculate Conception Church 113 N. Geneva St. Ithaca, NY 14850

Visitation Tuesday, September 11, 2018 from 3 to 6 pm at Bangs Funeral Home.