John C. Brzustowicz

John C. Brzustowicz, 64, died unexpectedly November 23, 2021, after a hospital stay. He was born February 1, 1957, in Rochester, NY, the son of Richard C. Brzustowicz and Alice Cinq-Mars Brzustowicz. John earned his undergraduate degree at the College of Wooster. His academic interests at Wooster were broad-based, and he graduated with majors in History, English, and Chinese Studies. He served as Class President, was active in Student Government, and founded a successful intercollegiate rugby team at the College. After earning his degree at Wooster, John enrolled in the Labor and Industrial Relations program at the Cornell University Graduate School, pursuing a master's degree. His studies and professional interests led him to enroll at the Case Western University School of Law, where he earned his J.D. (Juris Doctor) degree. During his years at Case Western Reserve, he worked as a law clerk with Peacock Keller, later joining the firm as an associate. He then joined the firm of Sable, Makoroff & Gusky. In 1991, he opened his own law practice, Brzustowicz Law Offices, which eventually evolved into Brzustowicz & Marotta, PC. While the law remained his primary focus, John actively pursued many interests. For more than a quarter of a century, he was involved with the Eastman School of Music in his role as personal assistant to Pulitzer Prize winning composer Dr. Howard Hanson. Dr. Hanson, renowned conductor, composer, and educator, served as Director of the Eastman School of Music for more than 40 years. John also was active with the Institute of American Music, handling issues related to copyrights. He led efforts at the Institute to launch a reorganization that resulted in a more effective business model. As part of his ongoing commitment to the future of the Institute, he served as director for three years and served on the Board of Trustees. Interested in and knowledgeable about American and World History, John was an outstanding craftsman as a woodworker, especially as a wood-turner. Bowls, dishes, pens, and other creations grace the homes of many relatives as testament to his skill and attention to detail. John was preceded in death by his parents, and by Howard and Peggy Hanson, who both called John "my favorite nephew." He is survived by his wife, Marjorie Ann Marotta, with whom he practiced law for twenty years. He is also survived by his son, Richard, and his two daughters, Megan (Seth Bolton) and Emily (Jordan Easterbrook); his brothers Richard Brzustowicz (Chih-hui-Chung) and Thaddeus Brzustowicz (Tama); Victoria Brzustowicz (Jim Ransom), Barbara Brzustowicz Lucieer, Teresa Brzustowicz (David Bolduc), Krystyna Brzustowicz Growney (Jay), Mary Brzustowicz (Eloy Meira); and a multitude of cousins, nieces and nephews. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. at St. Barbara's Church, Corpus Christi Parish, Monday, November 29. In keeping with John's wishes, there will be no visitation, nor viewing. Those who wish to make gifts to remember John in a special way may make gifts to The Benedictine Sisters of Pittsburgh, 3526 Bakerstown Road, Bakerstown, PA 15007-9705 (https://www.osbpgh.org/) or to Centerville Clinics, 1070 Old National Pike Road, Fredericktown, PA 15333, in support of their mobile health unit.