Obituary: John I. Rolfe

John I. Rolfe, 83, of Youngstown, passed away Nov. 23, 2024, at Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital in Amherst. Born in Birmingham, England, he was the son of the late John and Lillian (Isham) Rolfe.

John earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Aston, Birmingham, England, in mechanical engineering. In 1965, he immigrated to Canada. Later, he earned his Master of Business Administration from the University at Buffalo.

On July 7, 1973, he married Rita F. (Bongiorno) Rolfe at Mt. Carmel Church in Niagara Falls, New York. The couple and their family moved to the United States in July of 1981.

John specialized in environmental technology, working at the Norton Company in Niagara Falls, Ontario, and later with General Abrasives and Cecos, both in Niagara Falls, New York. He started his own engineering consulting firm, Pegasus Management, which he owned and operated until his retirement in 2015.

John was the treasurer of the Youngstown Lions Club, delivered meals for FeedMore of WNY, was a part of the team that organized the Youngstown, Town of Porter Christmas Basket Program, and volunteered as a guide at Fort Niagara. He was a lifelong member of the Buffalo Old Boys Rugby Club and served on the Rivershore Inc. Foundation board.

John enjoyed nature and was an enthusiastic skier, kayaker and runner. He and Rita traveled extensively. He held a particular fondness for trips back home to family in England and to the colorful and lively culture of Mexico. He had a curious mind and was a lifelong learner -devouring books on history, science and philosophy. John played rugby until he was in his early 40s and was a proud early member of the Buffalo Rugby Club. Aston Villa F.C. and the Buffalo Bills were his two favorite sports teams.

He was happiest when he was with his family, especially his seven grandchildren. He had a brilliant sense of humor, was kind, generous and warm hearted. John will be remembered by many with great fondness. He was deeply loved by his family and loved them in return.

In addition to his wife of 51 years, John is survived by his children: Eric (Anna) Rolfe, Sonya (Louis Low) Rolfe, Brent (Ari Caylakyan) Rolfe, Ian Rolfe, and Nicole (Thomas Koch) Rolfe; grandchildren: Michelle Rolfe (Mitch Robinson), Trisha (Cameron MacDonald) Rolfe, Shawn Podres, Zoë Rolfe-Low, Savanna Rolfe-Low, Matthias Koch and Felicia Koch; two great-grandchildren; as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was predeceased by his daughter, Julie Lefebvre; and by siblings Jacqueline (late Alan) Hiley and Brent (Louise) Rolfe.

Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Nov. 30, at M.J. Colucci & Son Niagara Funeral Chapel, 2730 Military Road, Niagara Falls, New York, where funeral services will begin at noon, and can be attended virtually on Zoom: (https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86220645985?pwd=jrFfxOB9WmajiCOsYXNobo0K3q42sK.1) (Passcode: 913208).

In lieu of flowers, memorial offerings can be made to the Youngstown Lions Club.

Visit mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com for online condolences.