John E. Laubscher, 71, of Cazenovia passed away unexpectedly on May 1, 2026.

       He is survived by his loving wife of 49+ years, Anne Laubscher; his daughter Allison George and her husband Christian, and their children, Wyatt and Mathew; his daughter, Emily Buckley and her husband Rudolph, and their children, Brayden, Rudy, Henry, and Anika; and his son, Adam Laubscher.

       John was truly one of a kind—a jack of all trades and a master of many. There was very little he couldn’t do, and even less he wouldn’t try. He lived his life with curiosity, skill, and a quiet confidence that made others feel safe, capable, and inspired just by being around him.

       He was an active and respected member of his community in Nelson, serving on the local board and giving his time generously. He was deeply involved in the Civil Air Patrol and was an avid pilot, a passion he didn’t just keep for himself—he shared it. He taught others, including his own grandson, how to fly, creating memories that will live on for generations.

       John was also the proud owner of AJ’s Archery & The Gun Shop in Nelson, NY, where he built not just a business, but a place of connection, mentorship, and trust within the community.

       John’s wealth of knowledge was invaluable to so many over his lifetime, and at his core, he was truly a teacher. He attended Paul Smith’s College, where he earned his Associate’s degree in Forestry, and went on to receive his Master’s degree in Wood Products Engineering from SUNY ESF. He later taught at SUNY Morrisville, sharing his expertise in wood products technology and mentoring the next generation. In addition to his work in education, John was also a certified ground school flight instructor, continuing his passion for teaching through aviation.

       Above all, John was a devoted husband, an incredible father, and the kind of grandfather every child deserves. He led his family with strength, humor, and an unwavering presence. He was the man who showed up, who fixed what was broken, who taught by doing, and who loved deeply. In a world that often feels uncertain, he was steady—someone you could always rely on, someone who made things better simply by being there. That love never wavered. It only grew—through his children, through his grandchildren, and through every life he touched.

       He led us in life, and we trust he will continue to guide us from Heaven. He will be remembered for his strength, his generosity, his wisdom, and the steady, grounding presence he brought to those around him. The space he leaves behind is immeasurable, but so is the legacy he leaves within us.

       Legends never die.

       Calling hours are 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m., Monday, May 11, 2026 at Michael E. Brown Funeral Services, 2333 Fenner Road in Cazenovia. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m., Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at St. James Church, 6 Green Street in Cazenovia. Burial will be in the Nelson Rural Cemetery. Condolences in John’s memory may be shared at www.michaelebrownfuneralservices.com.