John Markunas

1940 - 2024

John Markunas, 82, of Fort Pierce, Florida, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on December 18, 2024. He was the beloved husband of Jean (Canzano) Markunas, to whom he was married for 61 years, and a proud father, grandfather and friend.

Born in Worcester, Massachusetts, John graduated from Classical High School before enlisting in the United States Navy. He proudly served as an Electronics Technician aboard the USS Joseph Strauss DDG-16 and the Everett F. Larson destroyer, where he achieved the rank of E3. After his discharge, he worked at the Long Beach Naval Shipyard and later at Grumman Aircraft Company, contributing to the development of the Apollo spacecraft.

Recognizing the importance of higher education, John earned his degree in 1973 from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers at Lowell Technological Institute. His career took him to RCA in Moorestown, New Jersey, where he worked on the development of the EGI Radar System. He later relocated with his family to Berkshire County, Massachusetts, where he worked at GE/Lockheed Martin. John spent the final 12 years of his career working in the IT department at Williams College.

John was passionate about service and leadership. He was an active Boy Scout leader, earning the prestigious Wood Badge and guiding his son to the rank of Eagle Scout. He cherished his time as a troop leader, teaching young boys valuable life skills and mentoring them to become honorable men.

In addition to his scouting involvement, John was an avid sailor and long-time member of the Berkshire Powder Squadron, where he earned the rank of JN. He enjoyed participating in the Marian to Bermuda Race and sailing the Long Island Sound with his friend, Captain Phil Scalise, aboard the Santarella.

After retiring, John and Jean moved to Fort Pierce, Florida, where they enjoyed condo living and became active members of their community. John was always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need, whether it was a neighbor or a friend. His kindness, generosity, and warmth will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

John is survived by his wife, Jean Markunas; son John, Jr., and his wife Joanne of Weymouth, MA, and grandson Jacob; daughter Janice LePrevost and her husband Timothy of Lee, MA, along with their children, Timothy, Jr., and wife Amelia, Julie, and Jason and two siblings; Fr. Bob Markunas and Joyce Price. He is also survived by many extended family members and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in John's memory to Dana Farber/Brigham & Women's Cancer Research Hospital.

A private service will be held, and the family invites all who knew John to remember him with fondness and gratitude for the many lives he touched.