John Skandera

Skandera, John
July 26, 1919 - November 7, 2010
Beloved husband to Mary for 63 years, loving father to Paul and Laura, adored grandfather to Sparkey and an elementary school teacher for 42 years, John Skandera lived a long and full life.

Born on the island of Manhattan, he was orphaned as a child and accompanied his brother Frank and three sisters to the Happy Valley Orphanage. After receiving an elementary and high school education, he travelled with his older brother in 1938 in a Model T Ford from New York to Los Angeles and attended Pepperdine University, graduating with his bachelor's degree in 1948. He served for four years in the Navy during World War II as a yeoman first class. He earned his master's degree in education from USC in 1962. He spent his teaching career at Overland and Purche Avenue elementary schools.
He loved nature and educating children, and he treasured the years he spent with family and friends at his cabin in Crestline.

He is survived by his wife and children and grandson and his many cousins, nieces, nephews, and grandnieces and nephews.

A memorial celebration of his life will be held 11:00 a.m., Saturday, December 4, at Mabel Shaw Bridges Hall of Music on the Pomona College campus, located at 150 E. 4th St. Claremont, CA. In lieu of flowers friends may choose to donate to Pitzer College to a scholarship fund in his name.
He is enormously missed.