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John Richard Kilmer Sr., 94, died at his home on Grand Island on Father’s Day, June 21, 2020, with his younger daughter, Geraldine Rapp, and son, John Kilmer Jr., by his side.
An avid horseman, boxing fan, celebrated fisherman, and car enthusiast, John grew up in Niagara Falls. He lived with his wife and family on Grand Island for more than 70 years, in Sandy Beach and on the West River.
John enjoyed boating and fishing on the Niagara River, Lake Erie and Lake Ontario with his son and fishing friends. He also enjoyed pop music and country and western, especially Willie Nelson.
John retired from Kimberly Clark Paper Company in Niagara Falls, and owned a lawn mower repair business on the Island.
His loving wife of 56 years, Joan Marie, died in 2003, and his older daughter, Jean Casey, died in 2012.
In addition to his daughter, Geraldine, and son, John, he has six grandchildren: Haylea Casey, Andrew Rapp, Katherine Muro and her husband Anthony, Meranda Cardinal, Chelsea Kilmer and John Kilmer III; two great-grandchildren, Anthony Muro Jr. and Christopher Rapp; his twin sisters, Stefanie Kutis and her husband Paul, and Mary Ann Favalaro and her husband Michael; five nieces and nephews; and several cousins.
John was loved by everyone.