John Murcko

John Murcko

John Murcko, 77, passed away peacefully on May 23, 2018 in Berkeley, California after a lengthy battle with cancer. He was raised and attended public schools in Garfield, New Jersey.

Utilizing his savings from 3 years of employment at the Ford Plant in Mahwah and a scholarship from Texaco Oil Company, John fulfilled his dream of becoming an attorney. John's first degree was in Business (Accounting Major) from Pace University, New York. He was accepted to Hastings Law School, University of California graduating summa cum laude.

John became a prominent attorney in the Bay Area fighting for human rights. He argued two cases before the Supreme Court dealing with the rights of Gl's in the military, winning one of those cases. He was a legendary tenant's attorney. To his clients benefit, he effectively chose to argue before Judge and Jury rather than settle cases.

When John's father's employer, Forstman Woolen Mills, moved to the Carolinas in the 1950's John created a landscaping business for his father. John kept in close contact with family and friends in New Jersey. He enjoyed reminiscing about the great times in Garfield.

He was predeceased by his parents Peter and Catherine (Pistey) Murcko, his sister Anne Simpson and his brother Daniel.

He is survived by his son, Dr. Jason Murcko (Ph.D. Mathematics) and his wife Sonya Carr of Madison, Wisconsin. His daughter Alesha (Registered Dietitian), her husband Eloan and John's beautiful granddaughter Emme Forner.

John is also survived by his partner of 25 years, Christina Walter and 3 siblings: 2 brothers, Emil of Garfield, New Jersey, Peter of Manasquan, New Jersey, sister Helen Greer of Wayne, New Jersey and sister-in-law Margret Murcko of Clifton, New Jersey. He leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

John's hobbies were traveling, hiking, dancing, opera, ballet and playing the accordion. He enjoyed taking foreign language lessons. He spoke fluent Spanish, Russian and Slovak.

Since 1967 John traveled to Prague and the Republic of Slovakia on many occasions visiting numerous relatives.

The family had a celebration of his life. He was loved by all and will be remembered for his warmth, intelligence, strong convictions, positive attitude and endless energy.

Refer to the San Francisco Chronicle dated June 10, 2018.