John B. Sikorski

Dec. 13, 2012

John (Jack) Bernard Sikorski J. D., 59 years, of West Chester, Pa., passed away on Thursday, Dec. 13, 2012, at his residence.

John was born in Chester Hospital, Chester, Pa., on May 19, 1953. John attended Our Lady of Peace Elementary School in Milmont Park, Pa. After graduating from St. James High School in Chester, Pa., in 1971, John attended and graduated from King's College in Wilkes-Barre in 1975 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science. He graduated from Delaware Law School in 1979.

John had many passions. As a youth, John was an active Boy Scout. He was an Eagle Scout and a member of the Order of the Arrow, Vigil Honor recipient - one of the highest steps - the national honor society of Scouting. American Indian-styled traditions and ceremonies are used to bestow recognition on Scouts selected by their peers as best exemplifying the ideals of Scouting. He lived his life by those traditions of honor.

John loved to play golf. He was an active member of Applebrook Golf Club in Malvern, Hershey Mills Golf Club in West Chester and Eagle Creek C.C. in Naples, Fla. He was well known as a "true gentleman" on the course and was welcome in any foursome. He was the proud co-champion of seven member-guest events.

John loved to ski. He was a member of the National Ski Patrol at Big Boulder Mountain in Lake Harmony, Pa., for 20 years. John, his wife, son and many friends skied most of the big mountains with John throughout the USA.

John was extremely generous. He never hesitated to help his family, friends and employees when financial challenges arose. John was always eager to pick up checks when dining. He was a major donor to King's College, where he was the lead contributor to the "Fellowship" gift, funding an innovative educational experience for McGowan School of Business students.

John began his work career in the envelope business working for two multinational corporations. John became a successful entrepreneur, founding National Mail Graphics in 1980. He was the president and CEO and led his company to becoming a full-service, direct-mail printing company. His company continues to thrive and is listed in Printing Impressions top 500.

John loved music and playing his guitar. He was a member of a band that played the "Unexpected Party," a gathering held for 39 consecutive years with his King's friends and his U.P. extended "Fellowship." This group was a very important part of his life.

John loved his family. He loved his wife, Cathy; his son, Steven; his sister, Noreen; his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, his nieces, his nephews and their children.

Lifelong friends - John loved his friends - he had so many. Most people experience six degrees of separation. John lived within two degrees. There wasn't a place he went that he did not know someone. He had so many close and dear friends - he will be missed by so many.

John is survived by his wife, Catherine Garay Sikorski; one child, Steven Zachary Sikorski; one sister, Noreen Mary Leffler; brother-in-law, Mark R. Leffler; brother-in-law, Joe Bradley; nieces and nephews, Gina Noreen Leffler Whitfield and husband, V. Pierce Whitfield; Carolyn Mary Leffler, Dr. Caroline Bradley Barry and husband Dr. Lee Barry and their children, Avery, Mia, Hayden, and Phoebe; Michael Bradley and wife Melissa Jaconelli Bradley and their children, Reese and Ryan, and very many special friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William Sikorski and Mary Fallon Sikorski; brother Steven, mother-in law and father-in-law Louis and Mary McParland Garay, and his sister-in-law Billie Bradley.

Relatives and friends are invited to greet his family Tuesday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Donohue Funeral Home, 1627 West Chester Pike, West Chester, and to his memorial service immediately following at 7:30 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Friends of Scouting, 504 S. Concord Road, West Chester, PA 19382, to benefit the Boy Scouts of America. Online condolences may be made at www.donohuefuneralhome.com.