More pictures

And it snowed !!!! What a gentleman. Did he slam the rest of the dress in the door when he closed it ?
JP had a gathering at his house after the prom. After I was dropped off at home I took my Mom's car out to go back to John's. Of course I was not licensed to drive yet. I proceeded to slip off the road and get stuck in a ditch about 1 mile from JP's house. Bob Cuttita and Joe Cresanti ventured by after leavig JP's (I believe) and got me out.

Frm Tom Sheldon, class of '84 via Facebook:
"Chris -- just wanted to say that I really appreciated seeing the pictures and reading the commentary about John's life that you put together. It really captured his true spirit as I remember him. All who knew him will miss him but it is nice to have things like this to hold on to.
After hearing the news, I dug out some old mementos of Shen and found my 9th grade yearbook. John and I weren't yet friends but he stole my yearbook and wrote: "Tom, you don't know me but you should. I'm the best tight end in the suburban council -- watch for me on J.V. Peace, John Pryor."
That shows his fun-loving side but more appropriately, the first line holds true today. Those who did not know John -- should have.
It is very sad -- but he obviously contributed more in 42 years than most of us will do in a lifetime."

Frm Brian McClintock, class of '84:
"I think Chris Gomes may still have issues to this day with Mrs. Pryor. Towards the end of a night out in Saratoga we had stopped for Pizza at Oma's. John was dialing the pay phone and Chris was standing next to him. Without saying a word when the line connected John turned to Chris and handed him the receiver and said "It's for you." Chris innocently took the phone and said "hello". The female voice at the other end said "Who is this?", Chris replied "It's Chris Gomes", The female voice replied "Chris Gomes! This is Mrs. Pryor, why are you calling me at 3:00 AM?" John was nowhere to be found."

Frm Melissa Lemon (Liebau), class of '84 via Facebook
"As I look at this article about a peer a thought comes to my mind. John made a decision to obey his calling. None of it made sense to his family and friends and perhaps to him. But he did not let his confusion disrupt his obedience. It looks as if John saw that God was brought into his part of the world and God has used him to change the world. it appears that he believed that God is not through with this world. I am sure that he stuggled with his descion to obey his calling and perhaps God did not answer every question for him. There are many questions that we will not be able to answer about this tragedy. We will spend time saying "I wonder.....

But in our wonderings there are some questions we never need to ask. Does God care? Do we matter? Does he still love his children?
The answer is yes; He has forgiven our sins, has our name in heaven, defeated death, and has entered our world.
I personally am drawing comfort from this."

Frm Ken Clifford, class of '84
I'm still in shock over this. We returned home last night from New Jersey and my jaw dropped when I read the article on the front page of the Sunday Times Union. This tragedy gives us a different perspective on what the holidays, life, and family are all about, and what is really valuable and important to us all... John made a difference in the world, and he will be truly missed.

Frm Brad Acker, class of '84
I can't tell you how devastated I was to hear this news and even more so after reading about the life he has led in the last 25 years. I am truly honored to have been able to have called him a friend. Until yesterday, I was never truly in awe of anybody, I am of John and what he accompished in a way to short life.

Frm John Joseph, class of '84
"I was very saddened by the news. Puts alot in perspective. John touched the lives of so many people.....family , friends and strangers. He was a true American hero. Makes you sick to your stomach thinking about this tragedy"

Frm MSgt Michael G Silver, Healthcare NCO, Air National Guard, class of '84
Thank you for putting together pictures to memorialize a great man and mentor. I can remember getting emails from him after September 11th and how excitied he was about joining the military so that he could help others. He knew his calling and many soldiers were saved because of his great skills. Our loss cannot be put into words and like all of you, I will miss him greatly, remembering our times at school, working together on the ambulance, and seeing each other at the EMS conferences. My heart goes out to his family and all of you that are grieving.

Cindy Siedel (Andrews), class of '84
"I heard from Jim Cavanaugh today (Bob Shea had emailed him with the news), also Becca and Erin have heard. Haven't yet heard from Jennifer. I emailed several of my Binghamton college friends as they all knew him too.
It is weighing more on me and has saddened me so much- I spent a lot of time and cared for him very much in the past. It is very nice to read how accomplished he became as a doctor as that was what he always wanted to do.
Your stories from high school were so nice to read - capturing the fun we all had and his personality. Nice of you to share the memories. I keep thinking about his wife and 3 kids. How tragic for them to lose
him. How lucky are all of us to be here still.....I am saying many prayers for John and his family."

Frm Eric Veit, class of '84
"I was so sorry to hear of John's death. I had not been in touch w/ him since Shen, + had no idea of the caring dr. + man he had become. I'm visiting my mom in cp + have been reading everything I can online about him. He was amazing, + this is all so sad. I don't know them, but I will send a condolence card to his family."

"My son played football this fall for the first time, + it definitely brought me back to our time together at shen. I don't know if I'll be able to make it to any of the services for John, but please tell our classmates you see + talk w/ I'm praying for John + thinking of them all. I'm still in the reserves + struggling w/ the conflicted feelings it sounds like john had between family + duty. God bless him for his selfless service."

An editorial note: 1) Eric is pictured below in the prom photos. 2) After playing with 250 lb foot ball players Eric was one of the two people in our class I least liked being hit by. The other JP. It just hurt. OK Clifford too but he always lead with his head.. Does that explain anything about Kenney today?

John almost seemed to cope with the losses he suffered in the operating room by writing about it. While I may not be able to approach his writing skill, I too chose to write about my recollection of one of the most emotional, upsetting but awe inspiring days of my life. John's funeral services in Philadelphia. Forgive the grammatic errors and such. I was just trying to get it out on paper before detail escaped me.