John's Memory Wall
We encourage you to share your most beloved memories of John here, so that the family and other loved ones can always see it. Share your favorite stories or comment on those shared by others.
How ironic sitting here on a sunny Sun. morning and memories of a great guy come rushing back. Our talks during a hair cut were the best..remembering when you cut both my son and daughter’s hair when they were getting their first cut.. the train set you gave my son 20+ years ago still works.. you are missed friend may you rest easy until we meet again 🙏🏻
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RonR
September 3rd, 2023 at 9:39am
The last time I saw my friend was in August just before I left for permanent residence in Florida. We both knew it was likely our last meeting and we talked for nearly two hours. John was a great friend to countless people and my barber for about 25 years. We always swapped old movies and movie star trivia. John would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. It was my great fortune to have gained such a good friend. My sincerest condolences to Norma and the family. Heaven has gained a great man. Rest in Peace my friend, in the company of the old cowboys we spoke of countless times. I shall miss you.
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Stan Bennett
December 22nd, 2020 at 5:32pm
John was my barber and friend for nearly 20 years. Although he only cut my hair a few times a year, I always enjoyed our talks. It was always about old movies, politics, the state of the country, gardening and perseverance. He believed that people should work hard for what they have. And he did for 56 years. Simply amazing. I could never understand why he wasn't retired and he always told me that he enjoyed what he was doing too much to retire. He was a cantankerous old man that always made me feel like I was talking with my grandpa. Although I always knew this day would come, it just hurts so much. I wasn't ready.
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Tim Brooks
December 22nd, 2020 at 1:29pm
My sympathies to the family of John Genovese. What a wonderful man we have lost. In 1992 I opened the BH Walgreens on Pipestone Road. Being new to the area and needing a haircut, I came across John. What a great privilege and blessing to meet such a kind, giving and thoughtful man who over 30 years became a great confidant, advisor and friend. ALWAYS enjoyed the conversation and storytelling as much as the haircuts, if not more. My kids always wanted to go with me because John would give them money for the vending machine. I will miss those appointments, yet I will always have those wonderful memories. Memory Eternal John.! Rest in Peace, my friend.........
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David Bradas
December 21st, 2020 at 9:33pm
So very sorry to hear about John’s passing. Almost 30 years ago, I used to go to John every few weeks for a haircut with my little boy Zach starting when he was around three years old. Each Christmas, John would give Zach 3 or 4 wonderful presents just because of the kindness he felt for a little boy with a disability. It meant so much to Zach and us for John to do that. Rest In Peace you kind and good man.
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Gary Tipton
December 21st, 2020 at 4:38pm
Norma, David, Brett and Courtney, so sorry for your loss. John was a fine and honorable friend. His journey from East Benton Harbor farm lands to his final resting place was completed with dignity and friendship for all those he met. I will miss visiting with him every two or three weeks as I have done for the past forty plus years. I am certain that John is standing at parade rest, looking sharp, in his Marine dress blues. Semper Fi John
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Jon Veersma
December 21st, 2020 at 11:07am
I can't even begin to express how much this man meant to my family and I. He was more than a "barber" he was a friend. He cared about you and made you feel warm and welcome with each visit to his chair. A soothing voice and always a great story while he worked. This man cannot be replaced. My sincerest condolences to his family and friends.
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Steve Krieger
December 21st, 2020 at 10:37am
I will miss you John my prayers go out to the family! God will welcome you with open arms !
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Muir head8223@comcast.net
December 20th, 2020 at 3:57pm
John was a friend as well as my barber.
We were both early risers, so he would cut my hair at 7:30 AM. This gave us time for coffee and conversation. He would talk about going to his uncle Tony's farm as a kid and comment about what a great childhood he had.
John was the nicest person anyone could ever meet. He will be missed.
Our condolences to your family.
Mike And Bonnie Anstey
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Michael Anstey
December 20th, 2020 at 1:34pm
John was our neighbor and friend for 30 years. He was such a kind, thoughtful person. He’d treat us, and other neighbors with cookies, fruit and vegetables. Just a great guy. He will be missed by so many. Our hearts go out to Norma, his children, grandchildren and brother. May your wonderful memories be a source of comfort. Sandy and Pat Cheevers
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Patrick Cheevers
December 19th, 2020 at 8:53pm
Jamie & loved ones & family,
So sorry for the loss of John. When I did know him he was a very kind, special man. The Genovese family lived next door to me growing up on Crystal Ave. Prayers to all during this difficult time.
Joanne (Meister) Lewis & family
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Joanne Lewis
December 19th, 2020 at 6:59pm
On 17 December, I lost a good and lifelong friend...John was a good Father, brother, a Good Marine and a wonderful human being. The times and moments we shared will remain fixed in my heart. As I drive by the barber shop, I know he will be there....Farewell my good friend, we will meet again. May the peace of the Lord be with you & your family always. Semper Fi.....
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Guinn Hill
December 19th, 2020 at 6:52pm
Courtney, I am so very sorry for your loss. Lindy Hyldahl
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lhyldahl@yahoo.com
December 19th, 2020 at 12:36pm
To the Genovese family,
We are so sorry to hear about Johnny. He was good man and we always enjoyed seeing him when visiting St.Joe/Benton Harbor. So many great memories, whether it was stopping in to get our hair cuts or seeing him at a family gathering, those times will forever be engraved in our memories. He will be sorely missed.
R.I.P, Johnny
The Carlbom Family. (Toni, Chris, Jason)
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Jason Carlbom
December 18th, 2020 at 7:42pm
My heartfelt sympathy to the entire family. We pray this Covid will be in the past but still remembering those who lost the battle with it. I've known John at least 60 years. We went through Barber College together and moved forward in the Barbering business through the years. I feel very fortunate to have known John.
Jerry Post
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Jerry Post
December 18th, 2020 at 5:44pm
I spent countless hours of my childhood with Courtney the Genovese home and Cuts Plus ("the shop"). He taught me how to play cards, pulled a few loose teeth out for me (I was a HUGE wimp about that every time), "rescued" me from the top of monkey bars when I was too scared to get down myself, and he certainly drove us all over town. Such a truly caring man. My heart breaks for the entire family. He will never be forgotten.
-Alison Strasser
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Alison Strasser
December 18th, 2020 at 2:16pm
