John Mark Crisan

John Mark Crisan passed away unexpectedly on July 25, 2024.

He was the baby of the family, having three older sister, Carleen Marie Lister, Lisa Ann Crisan and Lori Jeanne Crisan. His parents John Livius Crisan and Jean Ann Crisan preceded him in death.

John, or Johnny as he was still referred to by family, attended San Carlos Catholic School and was an altar boy. He attended Carmel High School. He went on to graduate from UC Santa Barbara.

He worked at local landmark businesses, Surf and Sand, Asilomar, the Monterey Bay Aquarium and the Highlands Inn. He finished his career with the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District from which he retired.

John was one of the smartest people around. He had a wonderful and sharp sense of humor. He could pull names, facts and dates out of thin air. He loved history and was especially knowledgeable about WWII.

All of which made him a much sought after Trivia Night partner. Plus, he hated to lose!

He loved to travel; he had friends in Denmark, Sweden, Germany, Austria and who knows where else! We had a family joke about him bringing home souvenir bottle openers for us. The one from Monte Carlo is still on the fridge!

The last trip to Europe was with our father who was born in Transylvania. This was a special father - son trip to visit all the places that were part of our family history.

His great love was motorcycles, with race cars a close second! He always had a camera with him and he had the uncanny talent of being in the right place at the right time to get that great shot!

John was an amazing friend. He always made time and remembered the little things about those he held close.

Friends for 40 plus years, Craig, Harry, Patrick and Benjamin were sometimes close, sometimes far, but they knew they could pick up the phone and it would be as if no time had passed at all. John would be happy to hear from them, and give them a hand if needed.

Lori, Jill, Paul, Steve, Danielle, Johny and Kelly were like family to him. There are so many others that can't be listed in this small space, but he cared about each of you.

John was a donor and they were able to use his kidneys to give two other people a chance to lead normal lives. This is so perfect as his mother passed from Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), his nephew has a kidney transplant, and one of his sisters is at Stage IV CKD. It was a selfless act that was his last gift to the world.

His longtime friend, Craig Novak said it best:

"It's been a privilege to be a part of your time here on earth as I'm sure all of your friends agree."

John was loved by so many.

We miss his bright blue eyes, his huge laugh, his humor and his warmth.

We all love and miss you.