John D. Pararas

1952 - 2017

John D. Pararas 64, of Needham, MA, died peacefully at home on October 3, 2017, after a year-long battle with cancer. Born in Athens, Greece, John attended Athens College preparatory school before moving to the United States for college. He ultimately earned three degrees from M.I.T., culminating in a Ph.D. John pioneered the use of computer programs to optimize flight operations, and he founded Scheduling Systems, Inc., which produces that software for airlines and businesses in the U.S. and abroad. Prior to running his own business, John worked on the NASA Ames project developing flight simulators. John's greatest passion apart from science and engineering was playing bridge. Competing in local and regional bridge tournaments, John earned the designation of Life Master from the American Contract Bridge League. John is survived by his wife, Jan; his brother Takis; his three children, Dimitri, Nikolas, and Jack; his two daughters-in-law Meredith and Iris; and his two grandchildren, Ian and Kaylee. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, October 8 at 4:00 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 23 Dedham Avenue, Needham, MA, with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to the charity of your choice.