John Mitchell Sidor

John M. Sidor passed away unexpectedly at his home in Harper's Ferry on October 3, 2024. Born in 1943 in New Haven, Connecticut, Dr. Sidor spent his early years in Ansonia, Bristol, and Milford, CT. His parents, John Sidor and Philomena Kluk Sidor, predeceased him. He is survived by his wife, Judith, his brother, David and wife Betsy Sidor, and their children Mary Charlotte and Jason Flower and John David Sidor, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Dr. Sidor did his undergraduate work in political science at Syracuse University. He received his PhD in Public Affairs at the University of Pittsburgh through the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs.
Dr. Sidor retired from the University of Charleston where he was a professor in the doctoral program in Leadership. He joined the University in November of 2001 while it was still Mountain State University. Dr. Sidor's experience included 20 years in the not-for-profit sector in Washington, D.C. serving as Executive Director of the Council of State Community Affairs Agencies working in the areas of housing, community development, economic development, and public policy research. He served on the administration of former Governor Bob Graham of Florida, where he had responsibility for policy planning and budgeting for seventeen of the state's agencies and commissions. Dr. Sidor has also taught for the University of South Florida's Political Science Department, lecturing on issues of urban politics, government, and policy.
Dr. Sidor served as secretary and later president of the planning commission for Jefferson County, WV and was instrumental in grass roots community efforts including the Eastern Panhandle Gateway New Economy Council and most recently AuthenticWV.
Dr. Sidor was a St. James R. C. Church member, and a Mass of Christian Burial was held Tuesday, October 8, 2024 at 10:00 A.M., with Father Timothy Grassi as Celebrant. He was buried at Edge Hill Cemetery, Charles Town, WV.