John Francis Maskavich

John F. Maskavich

John Francis Maskavich, 93, a resident of Catonsville for approximately 70 years, died peacefully at his home on October 2, 2020.

The son of the late Joseph and Agatha Maskavich, John was born on December 22, 1926, in Edenborn, Pa., He grew up in the Baltimore area and he and his family were very active at St. Alphonsus Church. He attended St. Charles school in Catonsville, which is now the Charleston Retirement Center.

John enlisted in the Army in 1946 and served his country proudly. For three years, he served as assistant chaplain at Sugamo Prison in Tokyo, Occupied Japan, where Japanese prisoners accused of war crimes were detained for their trials. For decades after his service ended, he maintained contacts with many of those with whom he served. He was very involved for many years in the activities of the Sugamo Prison Reunion Association.

After leaving the Army, John utilized the G.I. Bill of Rights to earn his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Loyola College. He spent the first two years of his 25-year career in education in Howard County before moving to schools in Baltimore County. There, he taught English, social studies, Latin, and Spanish at Catonsville and Arbutus junior high schools. He later moved into administration and spent the final 17 years of his career as vice principal at Arbutus Junior High School. Years after his retirement, former students would talk to John about the positive impact he had on their lives.

After retiring from education, John started J&K Painting Company, which he and his wife, Kathleen, operated for approximately 15 years.

John was incredibly proud of his Lithuanian heritage and served for many years on committees for Baltimore’s Lithuanian Hall and Baltimore’s Lithuanian Festival, including several as chairman. He was also very active Lithuanian American Legion Post 154 in Baltimore and was a member of the post for 44 consecutive years. He served the post with distinction and honor and was its commander from 1995-1996 and again from 2004 to 2013. He was named the Department of Maryland’s Outstanding Commander in 2009-2010. He then served as the post’s chaplain, a position he still held at the time of his death.

John and Kathleen traveled all over the country and abroad. They particularly enjoyed taking part in elder hostels to increase their knowledge and continue their lifelong passions for learning.

A man of deep faith and conviction, his work and his relationships with others were his service to God. John attended many churches over the years and enjoyed spreading the good news of Jesus Christ. He particularly cherished teaching an adult Bible Study class at West Baltimore United Methodist Church 34 years.

An avid vegetable and flower gardener, John loved toiling on the soil and reaping the benefits of his work. He especially enjoyed growing roses and took particular care of his dahlias. He continued his passion of gardening until earlier this year.

John was preceded in death by his parents, eight sisters, and two brothers. He was also preceded in death by a son, Michael Maskavich.

Survivors include his wife of 42 years, Kathleen Maskavich of Catonsville; one daughter, Mary Martha Swanson (Joel); two sons, John Maskavich Jr. (Kim) and Paul Maskavich (Barbara); one stepdaughter, Diana Mosier (Bob); five grandchildren, Paige Maskavich, Karley Martin, Christopher Swanson, Zachary Maskavich, and Collin Maskavich; and one step-granddaughter, Emilie Mosier. He was previously married to Audrey Maskavich.

Visitation will be held from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, October 8, at Candlelight Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, October 9, at Salem Lutheran Church in Catonsville. Due to coronavirus restrictions, attendance will be limited to those contacted by the family. Interment in the Maryland Veterans Cemetery in Crownsville will be private.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John Francis Maskavich, please visit our floral store.