John was a kind, caring, easygoing man with a great sense of humor. He was a loving husband and father. His family was the most important thing to him, especially his children, Dennis and Erin. An accomplished handyman, he was always willing to help out a friend.

John joined the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) on September 7, 1983, and was assigned to Ladder 20 in Soho. He was promoted to lieutenant on May 1, 1997, and assigned to Engine 165 in Staten Island. John responded to the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, and spent countless hours in the rescue and recovery effort.

John loved being a firefighter, and he served proudly and heroically for 23 years.