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JOHN CERMAK Obituary


Deacon JOHN CHRISTOPHER CERMAK (Age 79)  
Of Silver Spring, Maryland, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Thursday, December 29, 2016, after enduring two years of suffering related to esophogeal cancer. Beloved husband of 53 years and one day to Mary; devoted father of John David (Therese) and Mary Christine (Allan Scales); caring grandfather to Christine (Eric Swierczek), Steven, Laura, Peter, Mark and Rachel; and loving brother of Peter (Mary), Susan (Darrell Trautman), William, Jane (Nicholas Kinn), Mary, Elizabeth (Gregory Blair), Mark (Barbara) and the late Joan (George O'Connell). He taught religion at Regina High School from 1963 to 1981, and Our Lady of Good Counsel High School from 1981 to 2001, was a consultant to the National Catholic Education Association, and served on parish and diocesan committees. Ordained a deacon for the Archdiocese of Washington in 2004, diaconal work filled his retirement years. He baptized his youngest granddaughter, Rachel (2004) and witnessed the marriage of his daughter, Mary Christine (2009) and of his oldest granddaughter, Christine (2016).Visitation will be on Monday, January 2, from 11 a.m., to 2 p.m., and 7 to 9 p.m., at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 12319 New Hampshire Ave, Silver Spring, MD, and on Tuesday, January 3, from 10 to 11 a.m., where Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11 a.m. Interment Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Memorials appreciated in Deacon John's name to Christendom College, 134 Christendom Drive, Front Royal, VA 22630.www.COLLINSFUNERALHOME.com  

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Washington Post from Jan. 1 to Jan. 2, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for JOHN CERMAK

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Mary Ellen Hughes

January 8, 2017

A former student at Regina, it was wonderful seeing "Mr. Cermak" at a reunion not too long ago. Grateful for his service as teacher and Deacon. Rest in peace.

January 4, 2017

Having known Mr. Cermak (John) since 1966, I can honestly say he has touched more lives in a positive way than one could calculate. So sorry I was not in town to pay my respects. Mary, please know I will say special prayers for you and your family. May John rest in peace with the Lord.
Mary Louise Johnson Embrey
Regina Class of 1970 and SJB Friend

Susan Thayer Jones

January 4, 2017

I remember him so fondly. He was such a kind, good man. May he rest in peace.

Elise Nucci Thompson

January 4, 2017

Rest in peace, Mr. Cermack. Your kindness and gentle nature will not be forgotten. RHS Class of '72.

Suzanne Costello

January 4, 2017

I have fond memories of this wonderful man. May God hold him in the palm of His hand. Regards and prayers to your family.
Regina HS '78

Ted Brennan

January 4, 2017

He was a fine teacher and patient friend. GOD Rest you Mr. C! From one of your '86 Falcons!

Rhonda Gray

January 3, 2017

My condolences to the family. Mr. Cermak was a great teacher and will be missed.

The FTD Comfort Planter

Brenda Helmuth

Sent Flowers

Robert Merikangas

January 1, 2017

Among the many gifts Deacon John gave to the church and the world was his leadership in promoting Christian unity year after year. Many thanks for this work. Now, eternal peace and joy.

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To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Francis J. Collins Funeral Home, Inc. - Silver Spring

500 University Blvd. West, Silver Spring, MD 20901

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