John Raymond Mulcare was born October 14, 1932 and passed away on March 18, 2020. He was the son of the late Raymond and Edith Mulcare, and the late William (Evelyn) Mulcare. He is survived by his nephew Bill (Roseann) Mulcare and by niece Cynthia, as well as by his paternal cousin James (Pat) Mulcare and their children, Casey (Amy) Mulcare and Nancy Mulcare Andrew Zgutowicz. Additionally, John is survived by close maternal cousins: Susan W. Stochmal, Sally W. (Bill) Jensen, Scott Waterhouse and John (Laura) Waterhouse. As well, John had a loyal support group; among this cadre of friends: Jim Berger, David Reeves, Jim Drury, Marcia Brewer, and Roger Nelson. John grew up on the West Side of Chicago and graduated from St. Mel Catholic High School in 1950. His family moved to suburban Bloomingdale shortly thereafter. John gained a B.Sc. in Chemistry from Loyola University in Chicago in 1955 and a M.Sc. in Chemistry from Colby College in Maine in 1969. He then earned his Doctorate in Education from Northern Illinois University in 1976. Mulcare served in the U.S. Army as an officer for two years and was stationed in England. He also worked for 5 years in chemical sales for Standard Oil Company prior to his starting a teaching career in Lisle. John was a chemistry teacher and science department chairman at Lisle High School in suburban Lisle, IL. He taught there for more than 30 years and retired in 1993. In addition to his teaching, for which he won awards, he showed his commitment to the school and its students by being involved in extracurricular activities. Although the school did not have an official swim team, he served as the swim coach for students who wanted to compete and accompanied them to meets throughout the state. He also served as an assistant drama coach and performed in several student productions, including "West Side Story", "Spoon River Anthology" and "The Odd Couple". He also starred in "Love Letters". As well, Mulcare was chair of Lisle's National Honor Society. After retiring, John moved from the suburbs to Chicago's Near North Side. He formed Mulcare and Associates and did some part-time consulting for the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce. John loved the restaurants and bars along Wells St. near his home. He also attended arts programs offered by Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Lyric Opera and Music of the Baroque, among others. John was a long-time member of Church of the Ascension on LaSalle Boulevard in Chicago and will be interred in its columbarium. Due to circumstances, a public Mass and memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements by Countryside Funeral Home and Crematory Roselle. (630) 529-5751 or [email protected].

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Published by Chicago Tribune on Mar. 29, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for John Mulcare

17 Entries

Stephen Ferrin

Planted Trees

Cynthia Albright

Planted Trees

Cynthia Albright

April 30, 2020

To Johns dear family and friends,

Carl and I extend our deepest sympathy on your loss. Our loss too, as he influenced and touched the lives of so many people.

On my first day as a brand new teacher in 1963, I met John at the luncheon for faculty members and immediately found him to be most congenial in welcoming us new teachers to the Lisle School District.

Two years later, I moved to the Science Department of Lisle Junior High where John served as our department chair. Not only was he a great teacher as cited by former students, but he was an outstanding mentor for our science faculty, guiding our way into the new hands-on methods of teaching junior high science.

The faculty lounge literally lit up when John walked into the room with his warm, congenial air. We always enjoyed his clever wit and needed his expertise in solving crossword puzzles!

I know I shall always remember John, as those witticisms often bring a smile to my face after all these years!

Cynthia (Berdy) Albright
and Carl Albright

Leslie Edwards

April 4, 2020

John was my next door neighbor for around 19 years. He was one of the kindest, friendliest neighbors I have ever had. He often left gifts hanging on my door knob such as fresh blueberries and magazines he thought would interest me. He is sorely missed by many in our building.

Patricia (Jones) Blaida

April 2, 2020

Without doubt, John Mulcare was my favorite teacher at LCHS. I still remember the videos and experiments he shared in class, and he was primarily responsibile for my keen interest in science. As our class advisor, he worked closely with me and other class officers. John came to our 25-year class reunion, and we all enjoyed visiting with him again. A truly warm and inspiring man who will be greatly missed.

Thank you

JACQUELINE Barth

March 30, 2020

thank you

JACQUELINE Barth

March 30, 2020

Richard K Mason

March 30, 2020

One of the greatest influences in my life. As others have noted, he was not only a terrific teacher (and drama coach), he was a mentor who went out of his way to befriend students, challenge us intellectually, and open up our minds to all that life offers. After graduation from LCHS in 1965, I was privileged to be his friend, and I have many happy memories of our times together. He used to quote to me Auntie Mame: "Life is a banquet and thousands of people are starving." RIP, dear teacher and friend.

Kevin Weller

March 30, 2020

I graduated from Lisle High School in 1972. Mr. Mulcare was my favorite teacher. I remember coming from Mrs. Phinney's class (English Lit) into his chemistry class and telling him about this great line I had just read in Hamlet. It was Queen Gertrude telling Polonius (after hearing a long rambling speech from him) that she wanted to hear "More matter with less art." In other words - cut the BS! John laughed and we shared that gem for the balance of my time at LCHS. He even remembered it at my 20th class reunion. No other teacher made me feel smarter or more like a grown up than he did. I plan to attend the memorial service - whenever it is.

Gary Stanley

March 30, 2020

Mr. Mulcare had only been teaching at Lisle Community High School for a year when I took a chemistry class with him as the teacher. It was, I believe, the 1963-64 school year. Even as a "novice" teacher he had great presence and technique. He kept even desultory science students such as myself engaged and learning - - most of the time, anyway. His class was always a welcome bright spot in the school day. I remember him being engaged with students both in and out of the classroom. Some teachers stay with you always - you don't need to refer to the year book to remember what they taught or what they looked like. Just a mention of their name brings back memories. Mr. Mulcare was one such teacher. RIP, Mr. Mulcare.
Gary Stanley
LCHS - 1966

Stephen Ferrin

March 30, 2020

Dr. Mulcare, was one of the teachers I had who inspired me to go into teaching.

John Catlin

March 30, 2020

John was much more than a teacher at LCHS, he also befriended many of us in the best possible way that most directly mentored us.

Ron Logeman

March 29, 2020

John was not only an outstanding teacher but also a great, great person. In my first years as a principal, he was so supportive of me, encouraging me to believe in myself and then helping me to clearly think through a variety of challenges. He liked his students so much, reaffirming the concept of how much more you could help them learn when you built a positive relationship with them. After he retired, I always enjoyed John's coming back to the annual teacher's Christmas lunch. He continued to brighten the school with his smile and positive outlook on life. He will be surely missed, but always fondly remembered.

Richard Palzer

March 29, 2020

I am saddened to learn of John' passing. I had the pleasure of being his colleague at Lisle High School from 1964 through 1968. John was a mentor and a friend as I was beginning my teaching career.

Walt Lockett

March 29, 2020

Truly one of my favorite teachers of all time. I was fascinated by chemistry from 8-10 yo and he sure fanned those flames at LCHS back in the mid-60s. My sympathies to all.

Laureen Guthrie

March 29, 2020

I never had the honor of having him for a teacher but I know he touched a lot of lives. My condolences.

Kacey Sack-Wright

March 29, 2020

Dr. Mulcare was one of the most innovative teachers I had at Lisle High School! He made a difficult subject fun and truly cared about his students. He was an amazing man with a wonderful giving heart! I know he will be missed by those with whom he chose to spend his time! He was one of the truly gifted teachers who inspired me to join the profession!

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