John Gulliver

John Gulliver, 65, of Fleming, NY, passed away unexpectedly on May 3rd, 2026, after encountering the one thing on this planet he could not fix – his big ol’ heart.

John was born and raised in Fleming to parents Richard and Marion (Gaston) Gulliver. John worked the family farm, got his CDL, became a truck driver, and eventually a diesel mechanic. And what a mechanic he was.

John was a mechanical genius, the kind of man who could diagnose a problem over the phone with half a sentence and a bad description. His phone never stopped ringing, and for good reason—if John couldn’t figure it out, there was a strong chance it simply couldn’t be fixed. Alongside his brother Rick, John co-founded A & D Enterprize, a diesel and automotive repair business he later took over and ran with pride, skill, and more than a little attitude until the very end.

John worked hard and played just as hard. John enjoyed riding anything with at least two wheels and a motor from a young age. John passed that love of riding onto his children and eventually bought a property in Moravia where the family held riding parties and other family gatherings. John thoroughly enjoyed spending time with his significant other along with his children and grandchildren.

John’s other favorite past time included rescuing his dare devil, adrenaline junkie, occasionally questionable but deeply loved children. The amount of middle of the night phone calls that the man received – and answered – surpassed any normal amount any parent should receive. No wonder his poor heart gave out early.

John’s favorite place to be wasn’t in a shop or on a bike—it was with his people. He loved spending time with his partner of 27 years, Kristy Partridge, along with his children and grandchildren, who were the center of his world, whether he said it out loud or not.

John was predeceased by his parents Richard and Marion (Gaston) Gulliver, sisters Marian Edwards and Bonnie Arno, brother-in-law Robert Arno, sister-in-law Sharlene Gulliver,and the Golden Child of the family, his beloved son John Carter Gulliver and granddaughter JC Gulliver.

John is survived by his loving partner of 27 years, Kristy Partridge; children Mackenzie Gulliver, Precious (Joseph) Walsh, Jessica (Billy) Gulliver-Rowe, Kevin Gulliver, Brian (Alisha) Gulliver, and Dylan (Morgan) Gulliver; Grandchildren Taylar, Matt, Troy, Nicholas, Kyla, Tyler, Gavin, Garrett, Natalie, Kiley, Brianna, Kevin Jr., Brook, Macey, Brody, Harlee, Wyatt, Jacklynn, Jaide, and Finnley; as well as siblings Angie (Steve) Taylor, Rick Gulliver, and Doug Gulliver. Honorable mention to all of the adopted kids and grandkids he picked up along the years.

A special shoutout to all of the animals, mostly dogs, that John said he hated but clearly loved over the years; in heaven REO, Streak, Homey the cat, Harry, and Vinnie; and down here still holding it down Benji, Zues, and Bella.

If there’s a shop in the afterlife, John’s already running it. If something up there was broken, it isn’t anymore. And if you’re lucky… you might still hear his voice in your head when something won’t start, telling you exactly what to do.

Calling hours will be held at the White Chapel Funeral home located at 197 South St., Auburn, NY on Friday, May 8th, 2026, from 4-7pm with a brief service to follow.

A celebration of life will be held in August on a date TBD.

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