Obituary of John F. Wilfore

John F. (Jack) Wilfore, beloved husband of Joyce (McClure) of 61 years, and proud father of Judi, John, Jeff (Maria), and Jason passed away in Hilton Head, SC on July 26, 2023. He was born in 1938 and was predeceased by his parents Maynard and Rena Wilfore, and his brother Robert L. Wilfore of Troy, NY. Jack is also survived by four sisters-in-law and many nieces and nephews, including his brother’s three sons: Bob, David and Dan Wilfore.

Jack graduated from Lansingburgh High School and Hudson Valley Community College in Troy, NY and received his Bachelor's degree at the State University of New York at Albany.  He lived and worked in the tri-cities of Albany, Schenectady and Troy NY, and served in the US Army.  He had a 37-year career with GE, and worked in many General Electric businesses including the GE Research Laboratory, GE Information Services, Electric Utilities Systems Engineering Department, GE Advertising and Sales Promotion, and finished his career with GE Corporate in Albany, where he was instrumental in establishing and managing the GE Business Information System.

During his time in the Capital District he was very active in the bowling community where he was a Certified Junior Bowling Association Instructor, running the junior program at The Bowler’s Club in Latham, NY for over twenty years. He also served as Tournament Director of GEX and CDHT, the Capital District Handicap Tournament.

Upon retiring from GE in 1999, he and his wife Joyce moved to Clifton Park, NY and then relocated to Hilton Head Island, SC in 2002, where they enjoyed the community, their many new friends and continued their love of traveling.  Jack immediately became involved in the Hilton Head Island Computer Club, where he served as President on two separate occasions and was webmaster and volunteer for many years.  He was also an active member of the Camera Club of Hilton Head and became a prominent area photographer.  He was an avid ornithologist, specializing in the many local and migratory species that could be found all over the island. Many who knew him will recall that his motto was “it is fun to take pictures, but it is even more fun to share them with family and friends.”

Jack’s other interests include sports, particularly golf, tennis and horse racing, and a love of arts and culture – mostly music and theatre. He was an excellent bridge player and loved playing hand and foot with good friends.

On Hilton Head Island, he enjoyed sharing his skills and expertise with friends, neighbors, members of the computer and camera clubs, and many of the local not-for-profit agencies.  Some of these organizations included Programs for Exceptional People, The Pregnancy Center, The Audubon Society, St. Francis By The Sea Catholic Church, St. Francis Thrift Shop, The Seabrook Board of Trustees and The Knights of Columbus Thomas D. Reilley Sr. Council 10668. A favorite past-time was gathering with the ROMEOS Men’s Lunch Group who frequented local restaurants together weekly. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in his name to:

St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital (stjude.org) or Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS.org).

Mass will be held for Jack at St. Francis by the Sea Catholic Church at 10am on Tuesday, August 22^nd, 2023 followed by a service at the Columbarium.