Jonathan Kent Fieroh

It is with great sadness and an overwhelming sense of loss that we announce the death of Jonathan Kent Fieroh. Jon was born in Palos Heights Illinois to Len and Lois Fieroh. He spent his childhood years in a loving family that included sisters Kathy and Elise and many close aunts, uncles and cousins. It was a time when kids were always outdoors exploring and playing sports. His favorites were tennis and late night basketball games. He was a lifelong Bulls and Bears fan through good seasons and bad ones.

Jon attended undergraduate college at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa and went on to earn his Masters at Depauw in Greencastle, Indiana. Through a connection with Ed and Suzanne Snizek, he came to the Adirondacks in 1985 to join the crew at the Adirondack Lake Survey Corporation. It was to become his favorite job ever- helicoptering from pond to pond gathering data with a group of other outdoor-loving scientists. Many of these friendships lasted a lifetime. He met Sherry Griffin that year and they married in 1990, the same year he went to work managing fisheries at the Brandon Park in Paul Smiths. They raised their son William there and were part of a family-like community that worked and lived there, for 23 years. In 2012 he took a position at the New York State Department of Conservation in Ray Brook as a Fisheries Biologist. He specialized in trout management and enjoyed his 10 years there immensely before his retirement in 2022.

Jon was a lifelong outdoorsman. He was happiest with his son and his hunting buddies in a blind waiting for sunrise and the arrival of a flock of birds or in a canoe with a fly rod chasing a rise. You would see him often on his bike or his skis. He also loved long evenings around the kitchen table with friend discussing everything from politics to sports – he was never without strong opinions. He believed in the power of good science and in not waiting to travel, connect with family and friends and getting outdoors.

He was predeceased by his parents, Len and Lois Fieroh and his best friend Jim Gallagher. He is remembered by his wife Sherry, his son William, his sisters Lisa Pollard(Thom), and Kathy Lombardi ( Mike),his mother-in-law Carol Poole and sister -in-law Calli Shelton as well as a multitude of friends and co-workers.

Funeral arrangements are in care of the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home, 20 Church Street, Saranac Lake, NY 12983. Jon was a big supporter of Nordic sports. In his memory a NYSEF scholarship will be established to support Saranac Lake youth participation in their program. Following Jon’s wishes there will be no calling hours or funeral services. A Celebration of Life (Jon loved a party) will take place at his home in Onchiota August 18th, 2024 starting at 2pm.

Family and friends wishing to remember Jonathan K. Fieroh can leave a condolence, share a memory and sign the guestbook.