John Michael Oxner

CLIFFSIDE, NJ---John Michael Oxner, 48, resident of Cliffside, NJ, died unexpectedly on Monday, May 15, 2017.

He was born on July 20, 1968, in Memphis, TN, to Nancy (Grimley) Oxner of Leominster, MA, and Fred H. Oxner of Memphis, TN. He attended Thomas More College with a focus on theology and had a variety of career experiences including Cincinnati Bank, Proctor & Gamble, Bose, and Heartland Dentistry. His natural talents and gifts were counseling, guiding, mentoring and inspiring his fellow man.

He was a sign language interpreter for the Cincinnati Gay Men’s Choir, and was a proud member and advocate for the LGBTQ community as well as an ordained minister who proudly officiated over the marriage of many of his friends. He and his husband campaigned tirelessly for the gay marriage rights in New York and lovingly exchanged their vows as soon as the Marriage Equality Act was enacted.

John was a cultivator of relationships, a tireless advocate for the less fortunate and downtrodden, and an unceasing giver of love, empathy, and humanity. He prided himself on being of service to others and selflessly chose service over self. He was a man of good character and humility and had an amazing sense of humor; he made us all laugh. His character superseded his kindness.

John is cherished and loved by his surviving family. He is survived by his husband, Ill Park; mother, Nancy Oxner; father, Fred H. Oxner and stepmother Donna Oxner; brother, Brian Oxner and his wife Paulette Oxner; sister, Donna Oxner Lefebvre and her husband Anthony J. Lefebvre; sister, Deborah Oxner Brooks and her husband Everett Hope Brooks III, and his nieces Cynthia Lefebvre, Danielle Lefebvre, Halley Brooks and Micah Oxner and his nephews Asa Latham and Berry Brooks.

A funeral is scheduled for Friday, May 19, 2017, from 5:00 pm -7:00 pm at Silas F. Richardson & Son Funeral Home, 106 West Street, Leominster, MA. All are welcome to attend and celebrate John's life. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to the ASPCA in his name.

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