Obituaries » John Alvin Ekstrom
A celebration of John’s life will be conducted at 10:00 am on Saturday, November 12, 2022, at Tharp Funeral Chapel, Bedford with Pastor Steve Turner. The family will receive friends on Friday, November 11, 2022, from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm at Tharp Funeral Home, Bedford.
John Alvin Ekstrom
John Alvin Ekstrom, born in Asbury Park, New Jersey on September 7, 1937, departed this life on November 7, 2022, at Lynchburg General Hospital.
John started his education in a 3-room schoolhouse in Andover, NJ and later attended grade school in Newton, NJ. He moved with his family to a farm in Greene, NY in 1949 and graduated from Greene Central School in 1955. John attended Cornell University where he was a member of the Freshman 8 Oared Crew. He graduated from Broome Community College and worked for NYSEG until his retirement in 1994. At that time, he was the Manager of Control Systems, an organization responsible for developing and operating the computer-based systems controlling the Companies vast electric generation, transmission, and distribution networks.
John was a charter member and president of the Greene Jaycees and was awarded a JCI Senatorship. He was a member and past chairman of the Broome Community College Industrial Advisory Committee. He married Mary Lou Williams in 1959 and together they raised two sets of twins, Kevin & Kim, and Stuart & Brian.
John met his second wife, Arija and married her on Ground Hog Day Eve 1986. Together they enjoyed designing, building, and operating Big Easy Registered Hereford Ranch in Bedford, Virginia. John loved farming which was always a part of his life even while pursuing his career at NYSEG. They were members of the Virginia Hereford Association and traveled extensively, visiting all 50 of the United States. They enjoyed hosting and entertaining large groups of family and friends in their scenic mountain view farm. After they exhausted their second careers they moved to Cape Coral, Florida in 2013 and enjoyed their retirement with friends old and new.
Surviving is John’s wife of 36 years, Arija Ekstrom; four children, Kevin Ekstrom (Kimberly) of Greene, NY, Kim Ekstrom of Williamsport, PA, Stuart Ekstrom (Stacy) of Wake Forest, NC and Brian Ekstrom of Owego, NY, his stepchildren, Todd Hite (Kelly) of Rochester, MN and Tonya Jefferson (Mike) of Bedford, VA. Also surviving is his brother, George Ekstrom (Barbara) of Churchville, PA; grandchildren, Erika, Ryan, T.J., Justin, Dylan, Chase, Kendra, Aiden, and Noah and two great-grandchildren.
Preceding in death were his parents, Albert and Kathrine Ekstrom, brother and sister-in-law, Charles and Sandy Ekstrom and grandson, Garrett McMahon.
A celebration of John’s life will be conducted at 10:00 am on Saturday, November 12, 2022, at Tharp Funeral Chapel, Bedford with Pastor Steve Turner. The family will receive friends on Friday, November 11, 2022, from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm at Tharp Funeral Home, Bedford.
Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Bedford, is assisting the family. To send online condolences please visit tharpfuneralhome.com.
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I am eternally grateful that John pulled some strings to enable me to transfer into the Control Systems group durning my early career at NYSEG. It was a life changing event. John was always there with helpful advice, encouragement and challenging assignments. He believed in me at a time I wasn't sure I believed in myself. His humanity, selflessness and benevolent spirit were acknowledged and loved by everyone who knew him. He will be greatly missed.
Posted by Russ Reid on November 12, 2022
John was not just a great boss, but a faithful friend. My memories will keep him in my heart. Love, Bob and Evelyn
Posted by Bob (Clarkie) Clark on November 12, 2022
So sorry Charlie and I can't be with you, but we send you our love and condolences. Uncle John was full of life and was always laughing. Charlie always talks about his fond memories at the farm with family and especially his cousins. Love Charlie and Vida.
Posted by Charlie and Vida Ekstrom on November 12, 2022
We loved having John and Arija as our neighbors. We always enjoyed the times we got together, especially the neighborhood get togethers. They were so much fun and John was the life of the party. He was always smiling and we loved to hear him laugh. They won't be the same without him. He will be dearly missed.
Posted by Denny and Linda Carfore on November 11, 2022
John was more than a friend; he was a brother. He had a great love of life and shared that love with everyone. His passing will leave a hole in my life that will be impossible to fill. He’ll be sorely missed.
Posted by John Cooper on November 11, 2022
John was more than a friend; he was a brother. He had a great love of life and shared that love with everyone. His passing will leave a hole in my life that will be impossible to fill. He’ll be sorely missed.
Posted by John Cooper on November 11, 2022
We had such great times in Florida…the memories will last forever. You and Airja were such great friends..we had so many laughs together, especially when it came to politics. We will miss going to our favorite restaurant, Moretti’s, it won’t be the same without you! Love you John… Rest In Peace!
Posted by Kathy Cooper on November 10, 2022
We had so many great memories, you brought joy and laughter to all! I remember your warm welcome into the family and all the wisdom and advice you shared over the years. Keep on dancing....love you John.
Posted by Kelly Hite on November 8, 2022
Uncle John..What an amazing life force of energy you harnessed and sparked all around you!! You were the last to go to bed and first to rise (actually it may have been a race between you and Dad..I was in bed). Maybe you were even a touch competitive too. You always encouraged us to push our boundaries and experience life’s opportunities. You will be sorely missed but NEVER FORGOTTEN!
Posted by Erik Ekstrom on November 8, 2022
Dad you were the greatest role mode;, and a friend to everyone. You will be missed greatly. Fly with the angels ! I Love You
Posted by kim ekstrom on November 8, 2022
John was a wonderful friend, coworker and kind & genuine fellow who lived life to the fullest. Always smiling & making people feel at home. We will miss you.
Posted by Mary & Ray McGlone on November 8, 2022
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