John Ioan Cacovean

With faith in the Resurrection and sorrow tempered by hope, we announce the repose of John Ioan Cacovean, who peacefully went to eternal sleep on February 10, 2026. His life was distinguished by love of family, devotion, perseverance, enthusiasm, and steadfast faith.

John was born March 27, 1941 in Unirea, Romania, during the communist regime. He was the middle son of Ioachim and Zamfira Cacovean (née Noșlăcan). He often recalled the gentle horses on the family's farm, where he learned discipline, humility, and the sacred dignity of honest work. Though his early years were shaped by hardship and restriction, they strengthened his character and deepened his resolve to pursue freedom and opportunity.

He attended dental school in Arad, Romania, and pursued an orthodontic specialty in Bucharest, Romania, before fulfilling his obligatory military service. At his first opportunity, he left Romania and emigrated to Austria. While at the Traiskirchen Refugee Camp, he befriended Mr. Costel Barbu, who helped redirect his path in 1969 to Mr. George Micu in Philadelphia, PA.

In Philadelphia, John built not only a career but a legacy. In 1972, he founded the Cacovean Orthodontic Laboratory at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine (Penn), which he diligently operated until the fall of 2025. He served on the teaching staff at Penn for 48 years, dedicating himself to the development and success of future dentists and orthodontists. He was demanding and uncompromising in his standards, yet generous with his guidance and instruction. He urged his students to pursue excellence, integrity, and service, believing firmly that nothing in life or in vocation should be undertaken with half-measure.

It was at the University of Pennsylvania that he met the love of his life, Snjezana (Zana), whom he always described as the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. They were married in 1978 and built a home, initially in Philadelphia and later in Rydal, where they raised their family with love and devotion. He valued discipline, truth, family, and carried himself with quiet strength and unwavering principles. Above all, he cherished his roles as husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend, mentor, and neighbor.

John found joy in music and dance, in the study of history, and in thoughtful discussions of philosophy and faith. He loved playing chess, immersing himself in strategy, tactics, and intense concentration. He was a spirited sports fan, enjoying the beauty of soccer and the aggressiveness of ice hockey.

John is survived by his beloved wife of 48 years, Snjezana Cacovean, DMD (née Nazor); his children, Eugene (Leeann) and Jeannine; his cherished grandchildren, Ethan and Anneliese; his brothers, Horea Cacovean (Silvia) and Vasile Cacovean, DMD (Elena); his brother-in-law, Vedran Nazor; his many cousins including Felicia Atamian (Raffi) and Mariana Braic (Viorel); his nephew, Rareș Cacovean (Cristina); his nieces, Carolyn Papanicolau (George), Alina Fagaras, DMD (Octavian), and Codruța Barbu (Răzvan); his grandnephew, Arthur; and his grandnieces, Mara, Emma, Tania, Ioana, and Evelyne. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ioachim and Zamfira Cacovean, and by his grandniece, Diana.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 27, 2026, at the Descent of the Holy Spirit Romanian Orthodox Church, 1323 Ashbourne Road, Elkins Park, PA 19027. Visitation will be from 9-10 AM, followed by the Divine Liturgy and Funeral Mass from 10-11 AM. Interment will follow at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Częstochowa, 654 Ferry Road, Doylestown, PA 18901. A repast and celebration of life will be held afterward at Jarrettown Hotel, 1425 Limekiln Pike, Dresher, PA 19025. All are welcome to join the family.

May his memory be eternal.
Veșnica lui pomenire.


Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Pleier Funeral Services of Ambler, PA. For inquiries, please contact (215) 887-6090 or [email protected].