Donations can be made in his memory to: The Center for Developmental Disabilities: Donate online: https://www.centerfordd.org/donate/ Address: 72 S Woods Rd, Woodbury, NY 11797 Phone: (516) 921-7650

At his request, no public viewing will be held; rather, we will choose to honor John’s life in a public celebration, to be scheduled within the upcoming weeks. The celebration will be held along the beaches of Long Island where John was a lifelong fixture. John was born August 7, 1948 in Brooklyn, and grew up in Wantagh, NY, graduating from Seaford High School in 1966. The coastline of Long Island was his childhood playground, fishing the bays, canals, and surf, for both sport and to support his family. He met his soon-to-be-wife Diana (nee DiOrio) in 1966, and they married in 1971. In 1969, John began working at the Town of Hempstead Public Safety Department, until he retired in 1989, achieving the rank of Lieutenant. That same year, he began a new career in the Town of Hempstead Building Department, starting as a building inspector, working his way through the ranks to the eventual title of Commissioner of the Building Department. He retired in 2007. John is survived by his wife and partner of over 50 years, Diana. They shared a relationship like none other- an endless, undying love and appreciation of one another. They were inseparable, and she remained immovable from his bedside in his final weeks. John always sacrificed for his family, which always came first. John & Diana had four children, daughters Diana Georgia (husband: Bradley) and Johanna Zanghi; and sons John H Loeffel, III (wife: Melissa Vargo), and Michael Loeffel (wife: Marie). He is survived by six grandsons, Christopher Loeffel, Griffin Georgia, Gabriel Zanghi, Michael Loeffel, Jr., Jack Henry Loeffel, and Robert (RJ) Loeffel; and was expecting his first granddaughter in October.

He was a big man with a big laugh, and prided himself on being a raconteur, a teller of great stories. Equally known for both his toughness and tenderness, he instilled in his children and grandchildren senses of responsibility, honesty, duty, honor, loyalty, humor, and humility. He spent years building a cabin in the Catskills, pioneering an off-the-grid lifestyle long before it was fashionable. He was incredibly self-reliant, but understood the necessity of close friendships, and the importance of positive relationships, knowing we cannot navigate this world on your own. He inspired his family to travel, as he loved to himself, and to see as much of the world as they can. In his younger years, taking the family on long camping trips up and down the eastern seaboard. In his later years, John and Diana would roam the countryside in their RV, seeking and exploring, making the trip along historic Route 66. Some of his favorite locations were Monument Valley, AZ and the Florida Keys, however, it was the beaches of Long Island that were closest to his heart.