John Sidney Correia

1937 - 2022

John Sidney Correia
March 21, 1937-
February 1, 2022
Contra Costa County
John Sidney Correia passed away at the age of 84 in Pleasant Hill, CA. John is survived by his wife Mary Lou Correia, stepson Christopher Rudd, daughter-in law Athena Rudd, and niece and nephew Sharon and Steven Correia. Through his time and attention John earned the respected name of "Grandpa John" for Katrina, Ryan and Jessenia & "Uncle Johnny".
John was a gifted student earning his PHD in organic chemistry in three years at UC Berkeley and became professor at St. Mary's College in 1962 teaching Chemistry and the Great Books. He became Dean of Science and chair of chemistry, teaching for 40 years. He oversaw reconstruction of Brousseau Hall, Science building. He was honored as the keynote speaker at the 2002 commencement the year he became emeritus.
John spent much of his retired life in service to others, especially at St. Vincent de Paul. He traveled to many countries with Mary Lou, including Portugal, learning of his heritage. He also enjoyed translating Portuguese poetry and literature. John was a kind, soft-spoken and gentle man with witty humor which stood out in his travel journals and writings of the Correia Caboz family history.
We will celebrate John's life in a prayer ceremony at Christ the King Catholic church in Pleasant Hill Thursday, March 24th (time TBD) and a Celebration of Life at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Walnut Creek at 11am, Friday, March 25th.
Please donate to the charity of your choice in John's name in-lieu of flowers.



View the online memorial for John Sidney Correia