John Menard Obituary
John Peter Menard passed away January 19, 2026, in Annapolis, Maryland (Aged 96 years). John was born August 3, 1929, in Massena, New York, to Isaie and Alma (Sibué) Menard. He was preceded in death by his sisters Jacqueline Menard, Helen White, Frances Bourdon, and his brother Rev. Francis Menard. He is survived by his wife of 69 years Sophia (née Demos);a sister, Gloria Breh; his six children (and spouses), Anne McDermott (Patrick), John (Patricia), Mary (Steve Ahnert), Margaret LaRocca (Rick), Katherine Striegel (Scott), and Paul; plus 10 grandchildren.
John attended Sacred Heart School and Massena High School before attending St. Michael's College in Winooski Vermont. After graduating in 1954, he pursued graduate studies at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. where he met Sophia. They were married in 1956.
John was a mathematician who had a significant career in the new field of Computer Science, being named Associate Director of the Computer Science Center of the University of Maryland in 1962, and continuing as Director and other administrative positions until his retirement from the University in 1994. This work included the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute.
John was a gifted singer who donated his talents to many parish choirs over the years. He also served on the altar as cantor and lector, volunteering as needed. In retirement, he was active in the Patuxent Greens Golf Club, and Howard County Bowlers. He enjoyed carpentry, woodwork, gardening, cards, puzzles, folk music, and other skills. He and Sophie were able to travel with friends and family and create many memories with their grandchildren.
After becoming increasingly ill, John and Sophie moved to the Riderwood Senior Community in Silver Spring, Maryland in 2018.
Visitation will be at the Donaldson Funeral Home of Clarksville, MD, from 9:00 to 10:00 am on Friday January 30, 2026; followed by a Funeral Mass at St. Louis Catholic Church, Clarksville, at 11:00 am. Interment to immediately follow the Mass at St. Louis Cemetery.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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12540 Clarksville Pike, Rt. 108, Clarksville, MD 21029
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