John J. Rohrer, 79, died Thursday, April 13, 2017. He passed away peacefully at his home in Oak Harbor, WA surrounded by family.

He was born June 27th, 1937 and grew up in Pittsburg, PA. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Pittsburgh and later earned an MBA from Marymount University.

John’s working career was spent in the field of hospital administration. He spent nearly 20 years as Head of Purchasing for Inova Fairfax Hospital in Fairfax, VA. He moved on to become the CFO of MedSurg Inc. in Virginia and then later became the CEO of Maryland Southern Hospital. Before retiring, he led care teams at several retirement homes including Hospice of Southern Maryland.

In 2005, John retired to Coupeville, WA, on spectacular Whidbey Island. He took pride in having the most beautiful yard in his neighborhood and he spoiled his two Labrador retrievers. In February of 2013 he was introduced to Rosalind Dailey. Their shared love of animals quickly led them to a beautiful courtship and marriage. Though their time together was relatively short, they adored each other’s company and shared a lifetime of love and laughter together. John’s passion for animals led him to devote many hours to the Whidbey Animals’ Improvement Foundation on their Board of Directors. He was involved with many activities and committees at Whidbey Presbyterian Church. Above all else, he enjoyed being “Pop Pops” and spending as much time as possible with his children and their families.

John is survived by his wife of 3 years, Rosalind Dailey Rohrer, his sons, Charles Briddell of Baltimore, MD, Michael Briddell (Susan) of Oak Harbor, WA, Derek Rohrer (Sinara) of Boca Raton, FL, Andrew Briddell (Candice) of Pflugerville, TX, and Alex Rohrer (Allison) of Lexington, KY. He also leaves 11 grandchildren, numerous brother and sister in-laws as well as a niece and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife of 25 years Susanne Reichley Rohrer, and his sister, Nancy Rohrer Byrd.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances and donations may be sent to Whidbey Animals’ Improvement Foundation (WAIF), PO Box 1108 Coupeville, WA 98239 or Whidbey Presbyterian Church, 1148 SE 8th Ave, Oak Harbor, WA 98277

The celebration of John’s life shall take place at Whidbey Presbyterian Church in Oak Harbor, WA on April 28th at 2 P.M.

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