In addition to his father, John is survived by his two daughters (whom he adored), Annie Nicoloff and Lizzy (Drew) Roper and his grandson and namesake, John Francis Roper. He is also survived by his siblings, Steve (Cindy) Nicoloff of Peoria, AZ, Jim (Michele) Nicoloff of Hornell, NY, Mike (Cindy) Nicoloff of Orlando, FL and Mary Kay Trotter of Edmond, OK, many nieces and nephews, his girlfriend Anne Katen, his best friend Jim Lehman, as well his dog Meg. He was predeceased by his mother and infant sister (Anne Marie) as well as numerous rescue dogs that he adopted over the years. In addition, he was also predeceased by his band of brothers with different mothers, John Baldwin and Jerome Hart. He made many longtime friends over the years, a list that would be too long to make.
John worked for over 30 years with his father and brother Steve, where they owned and operated Desert West Insurance in Peoria, AZ.
In his spare time, he enjoyed playing golf and passed on his skills to both his daughters. His daughter Annie also inherited his dancing talent and Lizzy inherited his singing ability. He was an avid follower of the Buffalo Bills, attending many games when he lived in Wellsville. He grew up a NY Yankees fan but switched allegiance to the Arizona Diamondbacks during their World Series title run in 2001. He loved to go camping with family and friends and especially making and tending to a good campfire. He enjoyed many trips to Rocky Point, Mexico with his family and Arizona friends. John (AKA “Cactus Jack”) was a great storyteller and could convince his nieces and nephews of just about anything. In typical John fashion, he donated his body to science so it might help others.
There will be services held later at the convenience of the family, with a Mass at Good Shepherd church in New River, AZ.
