John R. "JR" Dewhirst

John Dewhirst ObituaryObituary published on Legacy.com by Johnson-Kennedy Funeral Home, Inc. - Canandaigua on Mar. 10, 2026.Canandaigua – John R. "JR" Dewhirst, age 67, passed away peacefully, on Saturday, March 7, 2026, after a long illness. He is survived by his wife, Lynn (Sherman) Dewhirst; son, Ben Dewhirst; sister, Judy (Michael) Moore; sisters-in-law, Mary Ann Dewhirst and Patti (John) Scharr; mother-in-law, Helen Sherman; nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends. He was predeceased by his brother, Jim Dewhirst in 2025.JR was born in Rochester and was the son of Robert W. and Mary Elizabeth (Pierce) Dewhirst. He attended Canandaigua schools and was a graduate of Canandaigua Academy, class of 1978. JR enjoyed playing sports in high school and was an avid hockey player and loved golf. After high school, JR's talents took him in many different directions, including but not limited to car sales and operating his own car and boat detailing business. His time working at Wally's Pub and his love of cooking gave him the incentive to open a small diner in Hall, NY.JR was a 'jack of all trades' who loved entertaining his friends, barbecuing on the grill, sitting on the patio with Lynn and watching football on Sunday afternoons. He was a big Buffalo Bills fan. JR had a great sense of humor and was always willing to help others. To say he exemplifies the best qualities one can achieve with the challenges he has faced is an understatement. His courage facing the last quarter of his life was a testament to his endurance and strength.JR will be remembered as a great guy who will be deeply missed. Our world was a better place because we all knew him.Friends may call Saturday, March 14, from 11am-1pm, at Johnson-Kennedy Funeral Home, Inc., 47 N. Main St., Canandaigua. His memorial service will immediately follow the visitation at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Light Hill (comfort care home), 5160 Parrish St. Ext., Canandaigua, NY 14424. Condolences may be offered at www.johnsonkennedy.com.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.