In Memoriam: John “Tax Dad” Northrup (1939-2015)

Today, the Consumerist family mourns the passing — and celebrates the life — of our own Tax Dad, John Northrup. He not only provided helpful tax advice to readers of the site, but was also the loving father of our Laura Northrup. He will be missed, but not forgotten.

John H. Northrup, 75, passed peacefully of complications of a variety pack of cancer types. He had his family and a paperback book at his side on April 1, 2015 at Crouse Hospital. He was born in Lowville, NY on October 18, 1939. He grew up on the family dairy farm, attending a one-room schoolhouse and Lowville Central Schools. After graduating in 1957, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he learned the trade of accounting and served in the Cold War in Vitry-le-François, France.

He moved to Central New York after completing his service in 1961, attending Mohawk Valley Community College and Syracuse University part-time, completing his B.A. in 1986. He worked for Syroco in Baldwinsville for 25 years, then Community-General Hospital for ten years, continuing as a tax preparer in retirement.

He married the former Arlene Laramee in August 1965, and they settled in Baldwinsville in 1970. John was a gentle and quiet man who was full of wicked humor and hidden knowledge. He loved the outdoors, all books (and charity book sales), nature photography, hunting deer and turkeys, and the land, people, animals, and plants of the Tug Hill Plateau. He was a loyal New York Yankees and Syracuse Orange fan.

He was predeceased by his parents, Leon and Evelyn Alley Northrup; siblings Francis, Richard, Patricia Burker, Kenneth, and Ronald, and cherished dogs Lady and Maggie. Survivors include his wife, daughter Laurie of Albany, grandpup Zoe, and siblings Marjorie Wenk, William, Elizabeth Szalach, Charles, and James.

Memorial contributions may be made in John’s name to Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 E. Mud Lake Rd, Baldwinsville, NY 13027; and Baldwinsville Public Library, 33 E. Genessee St.

by Chris Morran via Consumerist