John Gordon MacNaughton

   John Gordon MacNaughton, age 88 years, of Caledonia died September 5, 2003 at Highland Hospital in Rochester after a short illness. John was born July 14, 1915 in Caledonia to John and Maude (Gordon) MacNaughton. He graduated from Caledonia High School in 1934 after serving as Class President for three of the four years of high school. He is a graduate of the University of Rochester. John served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during WWII, training pilots. He earned his PhD from the State University of New York at Buffalo, and began a long career as a history professor. He taught at the University of Buffalo, SUNY College at Brockport, and Monroe Community College. He served as President of the State University of New York’s Faculty Council of Community Colleges from 1967-70. John was recognized and selected by the faculty and students of Monroe Community College as their Distinguished Professor of 1971-72. He was married to Ruth B. MacNaughton for many years until her death in 1989. John became reacquainted with Connie Day, a childhood sweetheart, after Ruth’s death. John and Connie passed away on the same day. After retirement, John enjoyed travels to Russia. He was a well-known and respected authority on the history of the Genesee Valley as well as a regular guest of the WXXI radio show. John is survived by many special friends who will remember him for his phenomenal memory of stories and historical anecdotes, his ability to speak extemporaneously about many subjects, his appreciation for books and his love for the farmstead and fields of his home in Caledonia.

   A Funeral Service was held Tuesday, September 9, at 10:00 AM at the First Presbyterian Church, 3080 West Main Street, Caledonia, NY 14423. Reverend Nancy Reinert officiated the service. Interment was held at Mumford Rural Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Church, Caledonia Library Association, 3108 Main Street, Caledonia, NY 14423 or the John G. MacNaughton Award for Excellence in History, MCC Foundation, 228 East Ave., Rochester, NY 14604. Arrangements made by Alhart Funeral Home, Caledonia.