John Frederick Ihlo of Barryville, NY passed away suddenly at home on Monday June 4, 2018. He was 54.

A longtime resident of the area, John was born April 7, 1964 in Callicoon, NY to Fred and Frances (Toaspern) Ihlo of Barryville, NY. John was a longtime lover of animals and the environment. He attended many vegetable and fruit festivals and worked on an organic farm for several seasons. A skilled vegan chef, John often shared his cooking with family and friends. John volunteered at the Eagle Institute, as well as the SPCA. Employed at a wide variety of venues over the past several years, John reached and connected with many, many people during his work-day career as a bartender. He was employed at Resorts World Catskills at the time of his death.

A family statement reads, “John was a great guy, loved by many. He was an understated, soft-spoken storyteller—sharing tales of those he met and his theories of life with friends and family. A movie, TV and music buff, he remained a faithful Grateful Deadhead. We will miss you, John.” Surviving are three siblings: Barbara Sardone, Bill Ihlo and his wife Jody, Betty Morganstern and her husband Don; nephews and nieces: Douglas Sardone, Donna Sardone, Alexander Ihlo, Amelia Ihlo and her husband Dan Weinstein, Julie Newport and her husband Cal, and Jamie Morganstern; grandnephews and nieces include Luke Sardone, Grace, Sophie and Levi Weinstein, and Max, Asa and Joshua Newport.

Cremation was held at Maple Hill Crematory. A celebration of life for John will be held at a later date to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in John’s name to: Pets Alive Inc., 363 Derby Rd., Middletown, NY 10940; or Tamerlaine Animal Farm Sanctuary. 147 River Rd, Montague, NJ 07827.

Arrangements are by the Harrison Rasmussen Funeral Home 3412 State Rte. 97, Barryville, NY 12719, 845/557-8010.