John J. Niller, 87, of Port Richey, passed away on Thursday night, January 15, 2015 at HPH Hospice Care Center in New Port Richey.

John was an exceptional man. As a member of the US Navy he served his country well. As a husband, father, and grandfather there was none better.

His daughter, Donna, was born multiply disabled and no one expected her to survive. Despite doctor suggestions to the contrary regarding the long term care needed, John and his wife Lee knew there was no sacrifice too great in caring for a child who was wanted and loved beyond measure. Because of their love and care, Donna survived far beyond doctors expectations. The kind of care Donna required meant John and Lee’s life would be focused on her needs and not their own, and John did everything he possibly could to provide a life for Donna that was filled with experiences and memories through the 50 years she has lived with them.

As a father to his daughter, Linda, he was always there to provide love, support, and care that only a devoted father could provide. From staying up all night helping with homework no request was ever too much, no call for help went unanswered.

As a loving grandfather to Nicole, John was a surrogate father when needed, a mentor and a role model.

He always had time for family needs and proved to be the father the neighborhood children wished they had.

As a husband,there wasn’t a day that went by that his wife, Lee, didn’t know she was loved and appreciated. There was no gender limitations to his loving care and help. From doing chores around the house, to showing his love with romantic gestures, never forgetting a birthday, or occasion, to finding a myriad of ways to demonstrate his love and devotion, Lee was envied by many. Married sixty-four years they renewed their vows every year and showed their love for each other in simple and sublime gestures.

As a friend, John was sought out by all who knew him. He gave respect, kindness and generosity to everyone who came on his path. He never had anything but kind words to say and always was willing to lend a helping hand to everyone he met. Despite the many challenges he went through dealing with his, and his family’s health conditions, he always had a smile on his face. He found a way to bring joy to people’s hearts by making them laugh no matter what he was going through, and people never forgot him and the smile that marked his presence. They remembered his innate goodness, zest for life,  great sense of humor and selflessness. John made an imprint on every heart that was touched by his ability to give of himself, and no one ever forgot him once they met him.

There is no doubt that John was welcomed in heaven by the throngs of people whose lives he touched whether for a moment or a lifetime. Surely John’s legacy of love will be remembered long after he is gone. He was loved and loved well and isn’t that a legacy we all would hope to leave behind?

A memorial service will be celebrated at 3:00 PM on Monday, January 19, 2015 at First Baptist Church-NPR.