In Memory of Rev. John Rex III (May 14, 1940 – May 14, 2025)
We offer our condolences to the family and colleagues of the Rev. John Rex III, who died on May 14, 2025, at the age of 84.
John was born on May 14, 1940, in Syracuse, NY. He graduated from Fox Lane School in Bedford, NY, in 1958, and earned his Bachelor of Arts from Bowdoin College in Maine in 1962. After college, he joined the Peace Corps and served in Ethiopia from 1962 to 1964. This formative experience sparked a lifelong commitment to intercultural understanding and global engagement.
Upon returning to the United States, John earned his Master of Education from the State University at Buffalo, NY, in 1968, and began his career teaching high school English in Akron, NY.
In 1977, John discovered Unitarian Universalism. Drawn to its core values of reason, compassion, and justice, he became active in the faith community and served as Director of Religious Education at the UU Church of Amherst, Williamsville, NY, from 1980 to 1985. Over time, he felt a deeper sense of calling to the UU ministry and graduated with his Master of Divinity from Starr King School for the Ministry in 1995. The Rev. Rex was ordained to the UU ministry that same year.
From 1995 to 1998, he served as an extension minister at the UU Fellowship in Fredericksburg, VA. In 1999, he accepted a call from the Buckman Bridge Unitarian Universalist Society in Orange Park, FL, where he served until 2001. He then served the First UU Congregation of the Palm Beaches in North Palm Beach, FL, from 2001 to 2003. During his ministry there, he strengthened the Religious Education program, launched small group ministry programs, and helped create more coordinated and cohesive worship services. The Rev. Rex’s ministry was particularly impactful in the areas of social justice, religious education, worship, and fostering congregation growth.
The Rev. Rex’s passion for cross-cultural engagement deeply shaped his ministry and his life. He lived, worked, and traveled in various parts of the world, including Ethiopia, Namibia, and India. He was devoted to supporting international Unitarian communities and advancing interfaith efforts across the globe. His thoughtful reflections on Cultural Intelligence were grounded in lived experience and guided by a belief that deeper understanding across lines of difference could transform lives and strengthen communities.
In addition to his ministry and global commitments, John enjoyed the quieter joys in life- watercolor painting, playing bridge, and listening to classical music.
John is survived by his daughter, Anne (Tom), and grandchildren, Gwen and Drew; his former wife, Barbara; nieces Stephanie, Catherine, Mary, and Jennifer; his godson, Abhimanyu; and many close friends and colleagues. He was preceded in death by his son, Christopher, and his sisters, Clara, Stephanie, and Margaret.
A memorial was held on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Amherst, 6320 Main Street, Williamsville, NY 14221.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Southern Poverty Law Center.
Notes of condolence can be written here.