John Fry Obituary

John C. Fry passed away on Saturday, February 14, 2026, reuniting with his beautiful wife, Irene on Valentine's Day in Heaven.

John was born in Brooklyn, NY on October 31,1937 to John and Rose Fry. At the age of 13, he met the love of his life, Irene Turnbull. After years of friendship and eventually dating, they married on May 30, 1959, spending 63 loving years together before Irene passed in 2023.

Irene and John moved to Queens where they raised their children and eventually moved to Port Washington, NY. John's children, John and Laurie loved, respected and treasured their father.

He received his undergraduate degree from St. John's University and became a highly respected telecommunications regulatory expert and lobbyist with New York Telephone and AT&T. John returned to St. John's almost two decades after graduation to earn his MBA in the evening while working full time. He remained as a consultant with AT&T for a decade after his retirement.

John took up tennis in his 30's and enjoyed attending the US Open at Forest Hills. Among his favorite moments was sharing a Manhattan (or two) with best friends and brothers-in-law, Bill Fankhauser and John Turnbull.

John was a devout Catholic, who always acknowledged the struggles of others through his individual prayer and faithful intentions. His rosary beads were always in hand and he offered prayers without hesitation.

Besides being a loving son, brother, husband, father and friend, his absolute favorite role was 'Cappa', beloved by his grandchildren and great-grandchild.

John was predeceased by his wife, Irene, in 2023 and is survived by his children, John (Cara), Laurie Kane (Tim), grandchildren Mia (Evan Dethier), Nathaniel and Phoebe Fry and Katie, Jack, and Caroline Kane. John is also survived by his adorable great-granddaughter Grey Dethier. Additionally, John is survived by his niece, Leslie Carson, nephews Lee and Bill Fankhauser, Douglas and Thomas Turnbull, James Taney and their beautiful families.

John was also predeceased by his parents, his sister Laura, brother-in-laws Bill Fankhauser and John Turnbull, nephews Gary and Glenn Turnbull, niece Patricia Taney and grand-niece Kimberly Turnbull Serso.

A Catholic Mass will be celebrated on Friday, February 20th, 2026 at 10:30am at Our Lady Of Mount Carmel, 1 Passaic Street, Ridgewood, NJ. Interment is private. There are no calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in John's memory to the Alpine Learning Group where his grandson Jack attends. John was a strong advocate of autism education. John also was a supporter of St. Francis Preparatory High School in Queens, NY where John and Laurie attended.