Honey, Cinnamon, and Mustard

John Christopher Fiore, 55, of San Luis Obispo, passed away at home with family on Sunday, November 14th, 2010. John was born in Providence, Rhode Island, but lived most of his life on the central coast of California after having earned an MBA from California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo. John worked in the local software industry but his life took an unexpected turn when he was diagnosed with leukemia in early 2005.


A gifted writer, John chose to turn what would have been a devastating experience for most of us into a positive force in his life and the lives of others when he decided to chronicle his cancer journey publicly in the form of this blog, “Holy Cow, I Have Leukemia!” His tremendous will and irreverent sense of humor, in the face of the unrelenting progress of his disease, informed, entertained, and inspired all who read his story.


Just months after bone marrow transplant in 2008, John finished the Santa Barbara half-marathon with the Central Coast Team in Training to raise funds for the Leukemia Lymphoma Society. He was a “cancer warrior” who was proudly victorious in battle after battle, and only surrendered when he decided the disease had taken too much of him.


John was known for his generous heart and quick wit. He was a friend and mentor to many who knew him and worked with him. An enthusiastic wordsmith, he solved the Daily Jumble in seconds, beat most of us handily at Scrabble, and loved a good verbal spar. He was a poet and raconteur who left us a legacy of his writing and poetry. John loved games, be it a good game of backgammon, or cribbage with his friend, Michael, family games at holidays, or a hand of poker with friends or strangers. A natural athlete, he coached baseball and basketball for his boys. He enjoyed surfing and golfing, and he pitched a mean softball. John found comfort and spirituality in the majesty of nature and spent many happy days traveling, camping, hiking, and backpacking. He loved his family and raised two exceptional sons, of whom he was extremely proud.


John was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Grace Fiore, of Rhode Island. He is survived by his wife, Dana, and his sons, John and Michael Fiore, all of San Luis Obispo; his brother, Frank Fiore and wife, Cheryl, of New Mexico; his sisters, Joanna Chapin and husband, Ted, of New York; Leslie Coletta and husband, Robert, of Rhode Island; his donor sister, Lisa Fiore Nunez and husband, Manuel, of North Carolina; and an extended “karass” that loved him for the unique man that he was.


A reception and memorial service will be held in his honor on Sunday, December 5th, beginning at 2pm at Rose’s Landing on the Embarcadero in Morro Bay. In lieu of flowers, please donate to:


The John C. Fiore Memorial Scholarship Fund
at SLOHS
1499 San Luis Drive
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401


In his own words, John was "honey and cinnamon and mustard" and "the flash of lightning you didn’t see, except when the room lit up.” We will miss your light in the room, John, but will hold it, always, in our hearts.

Here is a link to some photos we are collecting.  Hope it will bring mostly smiles. 
http://s1181.photobucket.com/albums/x424/dfiore6/John%20Memorial%20Slideshow/?albumview=slideshow

You can also sign John's guestbook and post photos at: http://www.legacy.com/guestbook/sanluisobispo/guestbook.aspx?n=john-fiore&pid=146785997&cid=view