Described by friends and family as someone who never sat still for long, John Chomyk lived a full life devoted to his community. Whether he was traveling, bowling, golfing, attending theater performances or cheering on his favorite sports teams, he brought energy and enthusiasm to everything he did. His deepest joy came from time spent with family and rooting for his beloved Auburn Doubledays, Syracuse Mets and Syracuse University teams.
Chomyk’s love for Auburn extended well beyond the ballpark. Before his passing in October 2023, he ensured that his commitment to the people and places he cared about would carry on. He directed $125,000 from his estate to the Central New York Community Foundation to establish the John G. Chomyk Fund, which now makes annual grants to support causes close to his heart — including the Auburn Doubledays, the Seward House Museum and local hospice care.
His career path reflected the same dedication to service that defined his personal life. After earning a bachelor of science degree from the University at Albany, State University of New York, Chomyk began his professional journey as a Certified Public Accountant in East Syracuse, passing the licensing exam on his first try. He soon returned to his hometown of Auburn, where he worked as a public accountant before becoming the controller for Cayuga County overseeing costs for the construction and management of the Cayuga Nursing Rehabilitation Center.
That role led him to earn his Nursing Home Administrators’ License and eventually take on a yearlong position as interim administrator. He later became the director of finance for the Cayuga County Public Health Department, where he remained until his retirement. Even then, his sense of civic responsibility never waned — he returned to assist with payroll across departments and was later appointed county auditor by the Cauyga County Legislature in 2021.
Chomyk was known throughout Auburn for his strong work ethic and generous spirit. He devoted his time to a number of local organizations, including nearly five years as a volunteer at the NYS Equal Rights Heritage Center. “John was a dedicated and beloved volunteer who greatly enjoyed sharing his love of our town’s history with visitors,” the organization recalled on its website. “He is sorely missed by the Auburn Community.”
In addition to his service at the Heritage Center and with the Auburn Doubledays Booster Club, Chomyk volunteered as a counselor for SCORE, offering guidance to seniors looking to start or grow businesses. He also contributed his time to St. Hyacinth’s Church, where many remember him fondly.
“John was always a helpful, kind-hearted person — full of smiles, knowledge, and a willingness to lend a hand wherever it was needed,” said his friend Theresa Powers. “Whether as a fellow Booster Club member for the Auburn Doubledays, making pierogi for St. Hyacinth’s, or enjoying local music around town, he brought joy and generosity to every interaction. I’m truly grateful to have known him and will miss him dearly.”
Chomyk’s commitment to service was deeply rooted in his faith and values. A devoted communicant of St. Mary’s Church, he lived by strong ethical principles that shaped his interactions and shaped how he treated others. He also had a deep compassion for animals, particularly cats. Influenced by a childhood surrounded by pets, he began rescuing cats later in life. Two of his beloved companions, Simba and Mistoffeles, survived him.
The John G. Chomyk Fund guarantees that his legacy will live on. Each year, the fund supports three organizations: the Hospice Foundation of CNY & of the Finger Lakes; the Seward House Museum; and the City of Auburn for the maintenance of Falcon Park, where the Auburn Doubledays play.
Through this lasting gift, Chomyk continues to uplift the community he loved — leaving behind a story defined not just by what he did, but by how deeply he cared.
