John Aarne

John F. Aarne

Macedon:  It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of John F. Aarne, the sole remaining family patriarch of his generation, on Friday, April 9, 2021, at the age of 91.  He was proud to be the son of hard-working immigrants who taught him to survive the Great Depression without accepting charity. His mother (Anna Aanonsdatter Birkeland) came from Nord-Undal, Norway and his father (Frans Wilhelm Aarne) came from Pargas, Finland. He was the youngest of 3 brothers and 2 sisters, who grew up in Brooklyn, New York.  In his adult years, he lived in Upstate New York (Cortland, Homer, and Macedon).   For 37 years, he worked for the New York Telephone Company.  He met his bride Marie Pedersen (a telephone operator) when it was pouring rain outside and she opened the door for him to the telephone office.  They were married for 63 years. Marie passed away in 2015.

A lifelong storyteller, he enjoyed posting his stories on Facebook.  He cherished the opportunity to share his narratives with his international “Facebook Family” … making them smile, made him smile.  His Facebook page, From Street Kid to Storyteller, shared tales of his journeys with the Boy Scouts, experiences growing up very poor, and adventures as a telephone man.  It is his desire, that if his stories continue to make his “Facebook Family smile,” that they will be posted from his archives for years to come.

He will be greatly missed by his friends and family.  His children Carl Aarne, Christina (Ron) Lawrence, and Valerie Aarne; 8 grandchildren, many great grandchildren and extended family members.

 There will be no calling hours or services.  In lieu of flowers, if you would like to make a donation, his charity of choice is the Lollypop Farm (99 Victor Road, Fairport, NY 14450).  John and Marie enjoyed many beloved pets adopted from there.  To light a candle, leave a condolence, or to upload a photo, please visit www.murphyfuneralservices.com.

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