Dr. John Mavromatis, PhD, passed away peacefully at home on March 21, 2025, in East Bloomfield, NY, at the age of 80.
John was a fiercely loving and devoted husband to Susan Parmele, with whom he shared 41 years of marriage. He is also survived by their two sons, Andrew (Erin) and Timothy (Katie). He was predeceased by his parents, Anne Coulakis and Spiros Mavromatis
Born May 16, 1944, in Brooklyn, NY, John graduated from Fort Hamilton High School. He earned his BA from Hobart College in Geneva, NY, before obtaining his PhD in Cognitive Psychology from the University of Pittsburgh in 1970. His distinguished academic career spanned 47 years at St. John Fisher College (now University) in Rochester, NY. There he served as Chair of the Department of Psychology for many years. He contributed to several statistics for social sciences textbooks, pursued research in areas of learning and history and systems in psychology and was actively involved in numerous academic committees.
Beyond academia, John dedicated time to his community. He served on the Bloomfield Central School Board, volunteered with Boy Scout Troop 54/55, and coached first-year youth lacrosse in the Bloomfield/Honeoye League. A lifelong Episcopalian, he was an active member of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Bloomfield, NY, where he served as Warden and Chalice Bearer.
John had a deep appreciation for life’s pleasures—gardening, bonsai and Japanese maple cultivation, mastering the art of BBQ and cooking, and savoring fine food and wine. He was an avid mystery and history reader, theater lover, movie buff, and passionate sports fan who cheered for the NY Mets and Giants but also had a soft spot for the Buffalo Bills. A collector of books, ephemera, toy soldiers and pipes, John was best known for his generosity and hospitality.
A private gathering for family and friends, to celebrate his life, will be held at a later date.
Contributions in John’s honor may be directed to the James P. Wilmot Cancer Center, URMC or to URMC Home Care-Hospice of Ontario/Yates Counties.
My condolences on the passing of John Mavromatis. John was a long-time colleague of mine at St. John Fisher College
I was in the Math Dept. and saw John very often and was happy to engage in the usual small talk, but I enjoyed getting
him to tell me, once in a while, what ideas are rattling the cages in psychology. He was a true gentleman. May he rest in peace.
Susan and family,
We were so sad to hear of John’s passing but know it was truly a blessing for him. We are thankful he touched our lives. Prayers for you all.
Dan and Judy Kwarta
Love from the Maxwell family at this time of passing and grief. Remembering our happier times and wishing you the comfort of knowing you will be together again in eternal life.
John was an inspiration in my life and a mentor I will never forget. John’s quiet and unassuming style was so typical and yet his intellect and broad range of interests was something I always truly admired. May you rest in peace and may your family also be at peace.