Deceased January 22, 2019
View alumni profile (log in required)
Read obituary
In Memory
John lived his life intensely and lovingly. For 30 years he worked in investment banking, an unplanned direction, residing in his treasured Manhattan. His love of music, begun when he played in a jazz ensemble in high school, was sustained by the fine music and arts in New York. Always ready to introduce newcomers to the city with grand tours, several years ago he delighted us with a stroll on the High Line, Manhattan’s elevated greenway planted on an old railroad spur.
John was conscious of healthy cooking, so I was honored that he would call to consult with me.
It was after John’s passing that we learned much more about his remarkable life. He served in the Philippines and in Viet Nam in intelligence, teaching himself (and others) the Vietnamese language and decoding communications. There was time for a happy respite as he starred in a production of Mr. Roberts on base. After the service, John roamed a number of countries, including Indonesia, India and France, where he stayed to work. His love of travel continued throughout his life. He studied German in Germany and admired the dependability of anything manufactured in Germany.
John was unpretentious, even as he was adept at commenting on any topic a conversation could conjure up. He loved reading—mysteries, news, researching, learning new things. He wrote poetry and worked on a novel. He would bring a box of film noir DVDs when he came to visit. Family was always his priority. He was devoted to his four Lithuanian grandparents, and he helped care for his parents in their last years, even as we were blessed to have John live with us during his final months. John loved his two nieces, big-heartedly helping them with college. He doted on aunts and stayed close to cousins.
Later in life, he practiced meditation which calmed his spirit and pace. He introduced me to Thich Nhat Hanh and this monk’s unifying, calming spirit. John knew that relationships and gratitude had to be manifested in all he did. John was confident, nurturing, supportive and generous.
Janet McCloskey Carlisle