John Frank Federico

John Frank Federico

Syracuse/Newark---John Frank Federico, 63, of Syracuse, New York, passed away on August 6, 2026, at SUNY Upstate University Hospital.

Born in Newark, New York, on April 15, 1963, John graduated from Syracuse University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in television and radio from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications.

John worked in the financial industry at BigDough.com and previously held an administrative position at Syracuse University.

John approached life with curiosity, determination, and a strong belief in making a meaningful difference. He accomplished just about everything he set out to do, and he devoted much of his time and energy to civic engagement and advocacy. Through active participation with various city council committees, he worked to improve the communities in which he lived and to make everyday life better for others.

A passionate music enthusiast, John once owned one of the most complete collections of Billboard magazine in Upstate New York. He possessed an encyclopedic knowledge of countless musical artists, songwriters, and lyrics, as well as an extraordinary appreciation for the ways artists connected with people through their art.

John was also a meteorology enthusiast, an avid birdwatcher, an annual attendee of the New York State Fair, a devoted Syracuse University alumnus who loved his alma mater, and an enthusiastic fan of music and baseball.

One of John’s greatest commitments was improving the lives of others through his advocacy for disability rights. He was especially active in addressing transportation and accessibility issues, advocating for improvements that benefits people of all abilities. Among these efforts, John was one of several advocates who successfully pushed for enhanced lighting in the Washington Metro system, an improvement that benefits not only passengers with disabilities, but all who use the system.

John remained actively involved in civic affairs throughout his life, participating in city council meetings in Washington, D.C.; Tempe and Sedona, Arizona; and Canandaigua, New York. He was never reluctant to ask a thoughtful question, raise an important concern, or speak up for an improvement he believed could help others. His dedication earned the respect of those who encountered him in public service, including one transportation manager who memorably described John as a “super citizen.”

John is survived by his brother, Barry Federico and his wife, Julie; his sister, Frances Federico; his nephew, Todd Federico; his aunt, Marie Soliman; many cousins; and his very special friend, Tim Wasserman.

John will be remembered as a sincere and remarkable individual who was loved by those who knew him. Gifted with tremendous wisdom, brilliance, and a quick sense of humor, he consistently chose to focus on the positive. Simply knowing John was an amazing gift, and his curiosity, advocacy, generosity of spirit, and distinctive personality will be deeply missed.

A memorial service will be held at 1 PM on August 22, 2026, at Paul L. Murphy & Sons Funeral Home, 127 East Miller St., Newark, New York 14513.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Heart Association.

www.murphyandsonsfuneralhome.com