In Memory Of
John Cartwright Jr.
1935
2021
John Cartwright Jr.
May 22, 1935 — January 21, 2021
John Cartwright, Jr. was born on May 22, 1935 in Marvell, Arkansas. He was the only child of Rose and John Cartwright, Sr. When John was around five years old, his maternal grandfather, Godfrey Holman decided to move the family North to Chicago, Illinois. Like so many African Americans during the Great Migration, he was fleeing racial injustices in the South and seeking better economic opportunities in the North. John grew up in Chicago surrounded by lots of aunts, uncles and cousins. His Aunt Evelyn and Uncle Bill Blaylock loved him like he was their own son and played an integral part in raising John.
John graduated from Englewood High School in Chicago and enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1957. He was stationed in Fort Hamilton, NY and served his last duty assignment in Portland, CT. He was honorably discharged in November 1963. During that time John became active in the Civil Rights movement, participating in marches and protests.
John eventually relocated to Rochester, NY where his Uncle Adam had settled. He worked at Xerox for several years. Later, John started his own general contracting business. He took classes at Monroe Community College in connection with his trade, remodeling kitchens and bathrooms. John used those skills throughout his life doing electrical and plumbing work around the City of Rochester up until his late seventies.
John was a man of many hobbies. He enjoyed cooking, barbequing, fishing and wine making. He once placed 3rd in a wine making contest and won 1st place for his mixed greens recipe in an all-male cook off. John was an excellent self-taught cook unafraid to step out of the box, as he made delicious Chinese food!
In 2006 John moved to RL Edwards Manor where he befriended many of his neighbors. He enjoyed helping them and bringing food by when asked. These last few years as John faced health challenges, they in turn, did the same for him.
Among others who will mourn John's passing are his daughters, Sonya Graham of Mt. Vernon, NY, Anita Brown of Rochester, NY, his grandchildren, Bruce, Andre & JaVonna Brown of Charlotte, NC & Rochester, NY, his lifelong best friend, Carneil Carter of Chicago, IL as well as family and friends. John was recently pre-deceased by his daughter, Tonya Barnes and son-in-law, Anthony Barnes of Rochester, NY. A special mention to Tiffany Chandler, Taje & Chandler. He loved you like his own. John will always be remembered for his love of family
Services will be held privately with a private Interment at Western NY National Cemetery, Corfu, NY.
To see Johns' service please click on the link below:
John graduated from Englewood High School in Chicago and enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1957. He was stationed in Fort Hamilton, NY and served his last duty assignment in Portland, CT. He was honorably discharged in November 1963. During that time John became active in the Civil Rights movement, participating in marches and protests.
John eventually relocated to Rochester, NY where his Uncle Adam had settled. He worked at Xerox for several years. Later, John started his own general contracting business. He took classes at Monroe Community College in connection with his trade, remodeling kitchens and bathrooms. John used those skills throughout his life doing electrical and plumbing work around the City of Rochester up until his late seventies.
John was a man of many hobbies. He enjoyed cooking, barbequing, fishing and wine making. He once placed 3rd in a wine making contest and won 1st place for his mixed greens recipe in an all-male cook off. John was an excellent self-taught cook unafraid to step out of the box, as he made delicious Chinese food!
In 2006 John moved to RL Edwards Manor where he befriended many of his neighbors. He enjoyed helping them and bringing food by when asked. These last few years as John faced health challenges, they in turn, did the same for him.
Among others who will mourn John's passing are his daughters, Sonya Graham of Mt. Vernon, NY, Anita Brown of Rochester, NY, his grandchildren, Bruce, Andre & JaVonna Brown of Charlotte, NC & Rochester, NY, his lifelong best friend, Carneil Carter of Chicago, IL as well as family and friends. John was recently pre-deceased by his daughter, Tonya Barnes and son-in-law, Anthony Barnes of Rochester, NY. A special mention to Tiffany Chandler, Taje & Chandler. He loved you like his own. John will always be remembered for his love of family
Services will be held privately with a private Interment at Western NY National Cemetery, Corfu, NY.
To see Johns' service please click on the link below:
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of John Cartwright Jr., please visit our flower store.
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