John Havens

John R. Havens, 77, of Syracuse, passed away on Friday, June 17, 2022, surrounded by his loving family, at Upstate Hospital, after a short, courageous battle with lung cancer.

Born in Tonawanda, NY, to the late Leland and Gertrude (Riemer) Havens, John was a graduate of Tonawanda High School. He served his country as a member of the Army Reserves, and then spent most of his career as a safety shoe salesman.  He and his wife lived in several cities before settling in Syracuse in 1976. He was employed by Sam Young Shoes and drove the Traveling Shoemobile to industrial businesses around Central New York selling safety shoes, before finishing his career delivering trucks for Stadium International.

John had a strong Christian faith and loved his church family.  He was also an avid racing fan and enjoyed collecting model cars.  But his highest priority was spending time with his family, and he was a wonderful example of how to live a Christian life.

John is survived by his wife Cecily (Schauer) Havens of 52 years, his brother, Paul (Jan) Havens of Spencerport, NY, his daughters, Emily (Stephen) Moeller of Colorado, and Katherine (Ryan) Fraser of Leicester, NY, and grandchildren Carolyn and David Moeller, and Alex, Lucas, and Simon Fraser, and several nieces and nephews.

Donations in John’s memory may be made to Westside Community Church, 6198 Airport Rd, Syracuse, NY 13209.  Per the family’s request, funeral services will be private.