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BORN
1950
DIED
2023
FUNERAL HOME
John PARAFIANOWICZ Obituary
On a snowy Sunday night at home, John's spirit peacefully embarked on its final journey to everlasting life in heaven. He left this world surrounded by the love of his wife (Dorota) and daughter (Lydia) and was welcomed in the next with a warm embrace from his son (Lucas; 1983-2018). John immigrated from England to Canada in 1953 with his parents (Adam and Jozefa), and thereafter he spent his entire life loyal to the community of St. Catharines. In his 38-year-long career as a teacher, in which he was known as "Mr. P", he earned deep respect from colleagues, students and parents alike. John was passionate about simple wonders: spending time with family, working in his garden paradise, watching baseball and hockey (go Leafs!) or strolling the Port Dalhousie Pier with Dorota, the love of his life and his wife of 42 years. Above all, his greatest joy and proudest achievement was being a dad to Lucas (Tricia) and Lydia (Erwin), and devoted "dziadzio" to Anna, Daniel and Stanley. John is also survived by his loving brother Steve (Kim). John will be remembered for his quiet patience, warm heart, unrelenting kindness and quick humour that never faltered to the end. Despite the hardships of his life, he remained honourably optimistic and lived each day with gratefulness and gratitude. In true John spirit, "thank you" to all friends, family and care workers who have supported him and his family throughout this journey: Dr. Butler and team at the Melanoma Clinic at Princess Margaret Hospital, Niagara Home & Community Care Support Services (LHIN), Palliative EMS, Hospice Niagara, Wellspring Niagara, Walker Family Cancer Centre and Dr. Patel. A visitation will be held on Friday, March 17th from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m., and a celebration of John's life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 18th at George Darte Funeral Home (585 Carlton Street, St. Catharines, 905-937-4444). If desired, donations can be made in John's memory to Wellspring Niagara, Hospice Niagara, or Princess Margaret (Melanoma Clinic).
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Memories and Condolences
for John PARAFIANOWICZ
21 Entries
Jane White
March 20, 2023
Dear Dorota and Lydia: just returned from a short March Break holiday with my family, and catching up on the newspaper. So very very saddened to hear of John´s passing. We are dealing with Cancer here too. It is so hard. Your family has been through so much with the loss of your beloved son as well. My warmest thoughts are with you.
Ed Golubienko
March 18, 2023
Our condolences to the Parafianowicz Family. With fond memories, Czeslawa and the Golubienko Family.
John Villeneuve
March 18, 2023
Steve, our condolences to you on the loss of your brother. John and Lorraine Villeneuve.
Janice Baxter-Vaiana
March 18, 2023
Sending my heartfelt condolences to Dorota and family.
Ed Makkreel
March 17, 2023
To the Parafianowicz family and friends, my sincere condolences on the passing of such a great guy. He was known to some of us as Johnny Alphabet, but to everyone, a generous and kind soul. Thinking back to conversations about sports ( soccer ) with Prof. McNeil or the Arctic with Prof. Kerfoot, John had answers, he was the smart one ! But also humble. Everyone who knew John has been fortunate to be around a fine person.
Jennifer Dyck
March 16, 2023
Dorota and family, I remember John from our hikes together. What a kind and gentle soul. He will be missed. Wrap yourself up in his quilt and feel his loving arms around you. Hugs, Jennifer Dyck
Bob and Helen Kennedy
March 16, 2023
To Steve, Kim and the Parafianowicz family our sincere condolences on the passing of John. He was a terrific teacher and a credit to Niagara Catholic for his many incredible years of servicing the youth of St. Catharines. May he rest in peace
Rick Niesink
March 16, 2023
Rest in Peace Mr. P.
He was a favourite teacher for many students, myself included.
Mr. Blair Phillips
March 16, 2023
Steve....our sincere condolences to you with the passing of your brother John. Blair Phillips
Lena LaFratta
March 16, 2023
I was saddened to hear of John's passing at such a young age. He was always so kind to everyone and was always proud of his family. It was always a pleasure working with him. I hope your many wonderful memories will comfort you at this very difficult time.
Beate Voelkner
March 15, 2023
It is so very sad that we lost John. I remember him most on our hikes, his wonderful spirit and sense of humor, even though he was grieving for the loss of his beloved son Lucas. He was a special person that will always be remembered by everyone. Rest in peace Beate Voelkner friend
Tom Kretz
March 15, 2023
First my condolences to Dorota and family.
I went to high school with John then joined him in a teaching career with the Lincoln County/Niagara Catholic board. Our paths crossed many times but I will never forget his generosity when I followed him in a secondary school teaching position as a geography teacher. I was overwhelmed with the task of curriculum development but John gave me his entire syllabus of 10 years worth of long range plans, detailed lessons plans, tests, exams and overheads: hundreds of hours of work, impeccably organized. That was John. A kind and generous man expecting nothing in return. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
Ed and Anne Sado
March 15, 2023
It's hard to find the words to express the sadness we feel at John's passing. Our deepest and most sincere condolences to Dorota and all the family. He was such a fine man -- dedicated to his family first and foremost; to his career as an educator and to his community. He will be missed. With all our love - Ed and Anne Sado
Marina Horner
March 15, 2023
I am truly saddened to learn of John´s passing. I was fortunate to have worked with John when he was Vice Principal at St. Nicholas School. His gentle nature, good sense of humour and commitment to education were evident every single day. He was always supportive and helpful to staff and students alike. Sending heartfelt condolences to all of John´s family and friends.
Johan and Ineke
March 15, 2023
Our deepest sympathies to you and your family. Sending you all strength and courage in this time of sorrow. Know Lydia and Erwin will have our full support virtually while in Canada and personally when back in The Netherlands
- Johan & Ineke
Dawna Bacon
March 15, 2023
Mr. Parafianowicz was my geography teacher at PK Kerwin Junior Highschool. He was a kind and wonderful teacher, a true gentleman, well-dressed, well-spoken. It was probably the very beginning of his teaching career. I fondly remember his university stories and funny jokes. He was a great guy. I´m so sorry to know he has passed. He will be missed by many. My most sincere condolences to his wife and family. God Bless You.
Gerry Gamble
March 15, 2023
I worked with John on a board of education curriculum committee many years ago. I had never met him before but was immediately impressed by his friendly demeanor and good work ethic. Whenever I encountered him after that it was always like meeting up with an old friend. While I haven't seen John for several years those memories still linger and it greatly saddens me to see that he has passed. He was truly one of the good ones and has gone far too soon. My sincere condolences to his family on your loss.
Victor. Di Vincenzo
March 15, 2023
Dorota and Family my most sincere condolences to you and Family.
I remember our trip through Europe so well. Working together part time in our teens..A good friend. Rest in Peace John
Victor
Showing 1 - 21 of 21 results
Memorial Events
for John PARAFIANOWICZ
Mar
17
Visitation
3:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
George Darte Funeral Home - St. Catharines585 Carlton Street, St. Catharines, ON L2M 4Y1
Mar
18
Celebration of Life
10:30 a.m.
George Darte Funeral Home - St. Catharines585 Carlton Street, St. Catharines, ON L2M 4Y1
Funeral services provided by:
George Darte Funeral Home - St. Catharines585 Carlton Street, St. Catharines, ON L2M 4Y1