John Arthur Oster

Predeceased by his parents John and Patricia; brothers Bob & Matthew; and nephew Brian. Survived by his wife Loron; children Rachel Loron Oster (Nicolas Kjolhede), John Bernon Oster (Samantha Bricia Oster), and Charles Robert Oster (Lindsay Marie Randall); grandchildren Tomás, Francesca, Theodore, Charles John, and Angus; siblings Charles Oster (Patricia), Lisa Oster Mucica (Jim), Joe Oster (Carol), Annie Oster, & Donna Conway; many many nieces and nephews.

John lived most of his life in Rochester, New York, surrounded by his extended family. After graduating from Hamilton College in 1972, he embarked on a career that spanned from environmental advocacy to community development, culminating in his role as a real estate developer and the founder of Edgemere Development. John got things done. His influence extended beyond his professional life, as he was a founding member of the Choroideremia Research Foundation in 2000 and later established the Carbon Forestry Trust. He spent downtime boating, traveling, cooking, writing, reading, playing music, researching family history, and grandfathering.

John was an idea factory. He wanted to make the world a better place. Throughout his life, he mentored generations of activists, scientists, teachers, and developers making lifelong friends along the way. He helped build a loving housing community where neighbors shared chores and small-scale farming that included raising pigs and goats and making maple syrup. He was a leader and organizer passionate about improving the natural and built environments. His genealogy sleuthing traces his families’ roots to 1400. That interest in ancestry led to a recently published book, “The Curtis Family of England, East Dorset, Rochester and Other Places.”

John loved to plan parties for crowds, e.g., Mardi Gras, Ostoberfests, and Aquinas class reunions. He enjoyed many boat trips on the Big Toad and Go Whistle, always in the company of the people he cared about. He played music for friends and family, and was accomplished pianist, guitarist, and singer. He was a food and wine enthusiast, and his recent pursuit of the perfect oyster has become a family legend.

John pursued his goals with passion and determination. He received several awards and accolades, which he would brush off and attribute to being the “work of many.” As busy as he was, he always made time to stop and listen, watch sports, and read to children. John gave hugs and words of encouragement with thoughtful responses to questions. With all that he did, we are grateful that John accomplished one of his biggest dreams, building his lake house.

Our family thanks everyone who visited John during his short illness and sent cards and posts to him. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Choroideremia Research Foundation https://www.curechm.org/ or the Carbon Forestry Trust https://www.carbonforestrytrust.org/.

Calling hours will be held 4–7 PM Thursday, April 17th at Farrell-Ryan Funeral & Cremation Services. A memorial service will be held Saturday April 19th at Parma Greece United Church of Christ, 1211 Manitou Road at 12 pm. Live stream available on website Parma Greece UCC website-https://www.facebook.com/ParmaGreeceUnitedChurchofChrist

Reception to follow at the Rochester Yacht Club, 5555 St. Paul Blvd Rochester, 14617.