Johnny was my Big Brother in the Tau Delta Phi fraternity at Newark Rutgers in the late '50's he taught me how to play pinochle and I shared many a table with him during those formative years, including as memorable game at a hospital in North Arlington , where he was confined following appendicitis surgery.The nurses were not happy! he was always serious---especially about pinochle regretfully, we lost track of each other as we went about our lives---but I savor the memories of our time together my condolences to your wonderful family---keep John in your hearts Jules Schneider
Posted by jules schneider on March 21, 2017

Thinking of you with sympathy and knowing from the words of our Heavenly Father that there is something wonderful still ahead spoken in Acts 24:15 of the resurrection . I'm so sorry for your loss.
Posted by Emily on March 19, 2017

John was, in my opinion, the valedictorian of St Cecilia's Grammar School, class of 1950. When I first remember him, he was, to my great admiration, required to go from class to class and recite the totally memorized poem, "Twas the Night Before Christmas". No mean accomplishment for a second grader and certainly a challenge to anyone who wanted to compete with that capability. The memory returns each year at Christmastime. We were mostly in the other class until in the eight grade were joined into the same class and I was reminded again that he was an able student. It's no surprise that his education took him to his doctorate and that his career was equally successful. The fact that he was a good pater familia as well, only verifies the traditions that were instilled in us at St Cecilia's. After graduation, my family moved from Kearney and the years passed. It was my pleasure in our last meeting at a Reunion, already several years ago, that we remembered and still appreciated our friendship. I truly regret my classmates passing and offer my sincerest condolence to his family. Robert Drozd
Posted by Robert drozd on March 19, 2017

Christmas Dinner with Grandpa was always a joyous occasion. He had this ability to make everyone laugh and would egg on anybody to keep conversation flowing. A great red wine or a Heine beer was always in his hand and his sausage stuffing was that of legends.