John Jerome Gwyer, 64, of Bentonville, Virginia passed away on Friday, April 10, 2026 after a two-year battle with cancer.
A mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, April 24, 2026 at 2 PM at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 120 West Main Street, Front Royal with Father Michael Duesterhaus officiating.
John was born on September 4, 1961 in Washington, DC to the late Joseph and Rita Albert Gwyer. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Susan Gerard. He was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church and the Fraternal Order of Police. He was a 4th degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus and retired from the Washington, DC Metropolitan Police Department after 29 years of service with 17 of those years spent as a firearms instructor. John was an avid hunter and fisherman.
Survivors include his wife of 34 years, Clare Gwyer; two brothers, Joseph Gwyer Jr. (Linda) and Andrew Gwyer (Maura): two sisters, Norma Gwyer (Mark Bachinski) and Ann Marie Patton and numerous nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Humane Society of Warren County, 1245 Progress Drive, Front Royal, Virginia 22630.
Sgt Gwyer was a great supervisor. And a better person. May he rest in peace, cross the rainbow bridge with his pups. 🌈
He was a great man. Rest in heaven peace John
I worked with JJ in the 5th district when I first got out of the academy. JJ was a wealth of knowledge and always looked like he just stepped out of Law and Order magazine. He will be truly missed.
Our deepest sympathies to Clare and cousins. Fond memories of summers at the Sinclair camp. Our Thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
We are very sorry to hear of John’s passing. We have many fond memories of the Gwyer cousins spending their summers in Maine. May you all be comforted with warm memories of John. May you all be surrounded by the love and support of family and friends.
Dear Clare, So Sorry to hear of John’s passing. I remember spending a second shift with him on his beat as a ride along back in 1988. I admired his courage and dedication to keeping his city safe. May he rest in peace. God Bless.