Obituary of John R. Kellogg

CLIFTON PARK – John R. Kellogg, 70, died on Sunday, February 5, 2023, at Samaritan Hospital. The good news is that he is now reunited with his beloved wife, Cathy, whom he has missed deeply since her death in 2017. As John would say, the bad news is, he’s dead. John was born in Philadelphia, PA. His father, Dr. Theodore Kellogg, would often remark that there must have been something wrong with the water in Philly, because John came out different from the other kids. Growing up in Southwick, MA, John was bright, athletic, and fond of doing dumb things like starting a squash fight in his grandfather’s barn or trying to raise a German Shepherd mix puppy in a college dorm. Throughout his adulthood and a long and distinguished career with the Hartford Life Insurance Company, John continued to display his intellect, general people skills, and somewhat creative approach to life. He was equally well-known for his business acumen and for being the kind of guy who might build a 9-hole miniature golf course in the backyard on a whim, or the guy who got picked up by local cops three times in a single night trying to procure late-night Cheetos in a small rural town. (If you know, you know. If you don’t, we’re sorry you didn’t get the chance to meet John.) Among those who are left feeling pretty put out about his untimely death are his two darling daughters, Dr. Danielle L. Kellogg of Cincinnati, OH and Brianne Kellogg DeRosa of Cranston, RI. They’re joined in their grief and, frankly, annoyance, by their partners, Alan Davison, and John DeRosa, and by John’s beloved grandsons, Liam John, and Patrick Daniel DeRosa. There are also many other family members who’d like to give him a piece of their mind over this dying business, including his only surviving sibling, Jeffrey Kellogg, and his brothers-in-law, James and R. Bentley DeGarmo, and Joe Molta. Amidst the family’s deep irritation at John for being dead is equally deep gratitude for having experienced him in life; he was truly a one-of-a-kind person, as his many longtime friends, neighbors, and golf acquaintances can surely attest. We hope that in death, God has finally “made his hand like his other hand.” In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in John’s name to Make-a-Wish of Northeast New York. Cremation has taken place through the care of Simple Choices, Inc. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the Kellogg Family, online at: SimpleChoicesCremation.com