John Teti

John Teti

Died peacefully at home in Silver Spring, MD on Sunday October 18, 2015. Age 95. John is survived by his beloved wife, Doris, and the blended families of their marriage: Bill Billington, Carolyn Silvertand, John Teti Jr, Brian Teti, Leslie Bishop, Donna Stowe, Bob Power, and Barbara Power, 10 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.

Born on March 11, 1920 in Philadelphia, John was one of five children and the only son of Italian immigrant parents. John attended South Philadelphia High School where he excelled in both track and gymnastics. He attended Penn State on a gymnastics scholarship, and graduated in 1944 with a Bachelor of Science in Fuel Technology. In 1951 he earned a Masters of Science from the Stevens Institute of Technology. John worked as a materials engineer, first at Air Reduction Company, followed by over 25 years at DuPont, and did substantial early work in plastics. John earned eight patents in the course of his career.

John was married to Libby Nilan for 35 years. Following Libby's death in 1976, John married Doris Court Power in January 1979. The couple lived in Wilmington, DE; Kiawah Island, SC and Frederick, MD before settling in the Riderwood retirement community in Silver Spring, MD in 2005. After retirement from DuPont, John traveled the world with Doris. He remained physically active, exercising daily and enjoying swimming, skiing, and golf well into his later years. At Riderwood John was an avid reader, poker player, and sculptor who created a bust of every member of the family.

Known as Pop Pop by many friends as well as family, John was beloved by all for his humor and wit, unshakeable good spirits, avid interest in world politics, great conversation, generous spirit, the mischievous twinkle in his eye, and above all his love of family and friends. He will be particularly remembered for his colorful stories about growing up in South Philly in the 20s and 30s, and for his original and highly imaginative Alligator Tales. John/Pop Pop will be dearly missed by all. A celebration of John's life will be held on Friday, November 6 at noon in the chapel at Riderwood Village in Silver Spring, MD. Memorial donations may be made in John's name to Montgomery Hospice.