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John Dranow Obituary
John Theodore Dranow, 70, passed away unexpectedly on November 1, 2019 in Danbury. He is survived by his loving wife Amanda Raynor Dranow, and children, Caroline and Peter. He is also survived by his son Noah, from a previous marriage, and his sister Nancy von Salis.
John was born in Passaic, New Jersey on December 29,1948, to Nathan and Betty Coleman Dranow.
He earned a Bachelor of Arts from Boston University, a Master of Arts and Master of Fine Arts from the University of Iowa and was also a recipient of a National Endowment for the Arts grant in Literature.
John was founder and CEO of SmartRevenue, a global human insights research company. Prior to that, he was co-founder of New England Culinary Institute, where he was named New England Small Business Administration (SBA) Person of the Year and first runner up in the USA. In addition to being an entrepreneur, John was a published author and a college professor.
John was known to many in the community as a devoted little league and soccer coach and had an unrivaled passion for the NY Giants football team.
A celebration of John's life for family and friends will be held at a later date.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Dranow
William Primavera
November 17, 2024
John was certainly clever. He visited the Culinary Institute of America posing as a free-lance reporter, asking for course textbooks and work plans (I was so stupid not to be suspicious of that), in preparation for opening his own school. Very clever indeed.
Wayne Zade
November 6, 2024
Dear John, I miss you and I miss our friendship. Cathy has been very ill this year and I know you would have been a support to her and to me. In fact, you still are
Gerri Fennell Hesketh
December 30, 2023
John Dranow taught one of my undergraduate writing courses at the University of Missouri in the mid 70s. He was an engaging, effective instructor. Condolences to his family, associates and friends on their loss.
Frank Calise
November 6, 2023
A Neighbor, a Friend, and at times, a Mentor.
Frank C.
Wayne Zade
November 6, 2023
Dear John, the Giants are off, way off, this year. I think of you whenever I see the scores. And a lot of other times. Louise is gone too now, and I exchanged notes with Noah. I miss you.
Wayne Zade
November 7, 2022
John, the Giants are 6-2 halfway through,
and are missing you, as I do.
Frank Calise
November 6, 2022
May John's soul be greeted by our Lord Jesus Christ.
Frank Calise
November 6, 2021
John, You are in a place filled with peace and no pain .... And, for that, I feel good for you!
Love - See ya!
Frank C.
Wayne Zade
November 6, 2021
I had a reunion lunch this week with Sharon and Karen Buzzard in Columbia, MO, where we all once taught together with John. We all still miss him very much and it was wonderful to share our memories of him. And may the Giants win on Sunday!
Wayne Zade
November 6, 2020
I live in the Midwest, where I first knew John, but can’t help following the NFL Giants and wondering what he’d be thinking and saying about them now. I miss John very much, but I can hear him. Sending love to his family.
Frank Calise
November 6, 2020
John was a vivacious guest whenever he had anyone to his home. He would make you feel comfortable the moment he met you. I surely miss him as a friend and neighbor. May the Good Lord see all his kind work and friendliness to others.
Karen Buzzard
October 10, 2020
I knew John from our days as graduate students at the University of Iowa. Three of us, Wayne Zade, John, and myself were offered our first university teaching jobs at the University of Missouri together and we went as the Iowa contingency. I have fond memories of our days at Iowa and in Columbia. Rest in peace, John.
Wayne Zade
December 30, 2019
I just remembered that John's birthday was Dec. 29th. We were out of touch the last couple of years, but were friends since our days in Iowa and Missouri as students and colleagues. I googled him only to find that he died last month. I'm stunned. I'll always remember him as a man of incurable optimism who could inspire the same in others. Confidence and style too! I really never knew anyone like him. My deepest sympathy to his family.
November 26, 2019
Amanda, Mark and I were so sorry to hear about your loss. I can only imagine your sadness, but I hope memories of happier times help you, Caroline and Peter through these difficult days.
Sarah and Mark Cummings
Melissa Smith
November 25, 2019
I am so terribly sorry to hear this. I learned a lot from John, and will forever value his guidance.
Susan Dumont-Bengston
November 15, 2019
Dear Amanda, Caroline and Peter,
Our hearts are breaking for your loss. John was such an admirable and accomplished man whose contributions will endure.
Wishing you strength throughout this difficult time.
With deepest sympathy,
Susan Dumont-Bengston
John Bengston
frank calise
November 14, 2019
I will miss his smile and kindness!!
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