Obituary of John Elliott Fahner-Vihtelic

John Elliott Fahner-Vihtelic August 4, 1948 – May 13, 2026

John — known to those who loved him as Johnny — passed away on May 13, 2026, at the age of 77. He was a man of remarkable depth: kind-hearted, endlessly curious, and devoted to his family and community.

Born in Detroit, Michigan, on August 4, 1948, John grew up in Whitehall, where the foundation was laid for a life lived with purpose and passion. He proudly served his country as a medic in the Army Special Forces, an experience that shaped his deep sense of duty and his lifelong interest in the field of medicine.

John built a distinguished career in the building and servicing of medical equipment, as well as the inventing and licensing of intellectual property — work that he was proud of. His professional life took him and his beloved wife, Mary, across the country. Over the years, they lived in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Utah, Kansas, and Maryland. They settled in Rochester, New York, where they have made their home for the past 25 years.

It was outside of work where John truly shone. One of his lifelong hobbies was woodworking, and he built many beautiful things for his friends and family. Another hobby was competitive sports, including marathons, triathlons, and biking events. John loved to travel; with his work, sporting events, and family vacations, he visited 6 continents. In his retirement, he enjoyed learning to play the violin, birdwatching, camping, and vintage cars. 

Most of all, he loved being with his grandchildren and extended family, and those moments were where his big, generous heart was most at home. Throughout his life, John collected many friends. He treasured all of these relationships. 

John gave back throughout his life through charitable work, and most recently served as a mentor with Vet Court in Rochester — showing up, as he always did, for those who needed someone in their corner.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lillian and Frank; father-in-law, Lester; and mother-in-law, Elizabeth; brothers, Louie, Larry, Frankie, and Charlie; beloved nephew and niece, Daniel and Michelyn.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Mary; their daughters, Emily and Alexandra; sons-in-law, Ruben and Darren; grandchildren, Miranda, Parker, Heidi, and Levi; siblings, Mary, Joey, Martha, and Jimmy; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

Family and friends may call at Paul W. Harris Funeral Home, 570 Kings Hwy So., Friday, May 22, 2026 from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM, where his Memorial Service will be held Saturday,  May 23, 2026 at11:00 AM.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Whitehall, Michigan on Sunday, August 23rd. For more information, please reach out to Emily, Alex or Mary. 

In lieu of flowers, kindly consider donations to the Wounded Warrior Project in John’s memory.

He was loved by many and will be missed by all.