John Dominik Cancelarich

 

John Dominik Cancelarich, 91, of Lock Haven, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 7, 2022 surrounded by his family at his home.

John was born April 8, 1930 in New York, NY, he was the son of the late Dominik and Mary (née Barry) Cancelarich.

John was a proud graduate of Stuyvesant High School in NYC, then went on to receive his Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering from NYU and Master’s Degree from Columbia University.

Following graduation, he worked at Lederle Labs in Pearl RIver, NY. He was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1954 and was stationed in Pine Bluff, Arkansas during the Korean War, where he met his wife of 63 years, Johnnie Lou Cancelarich (nee Merlo). After discharge he returned to Lederle Labs. In 1962 he moved to Presque Isle Maine to work for Vahlsing, Maine Sugar and later took on leadership roles in Potato Service, Colby Starch and Northland Frozen Foods. This led to his involvement in the Maine Manufacturing and Agricultural Industry, as well as involvement in Maine Democratic politics over many years. He became close associates with Maine Governors, US Senators and US Congressmen.

He was a very active member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Presque Isle, Maine, serving as Parish Council Chairman and lead the church rosary group. His service to the local community involved leadership of an anti-war Peace group and board member of the Presque Isle Public Library.

Following 50 plus years in Maine he retired and consulted for the World Bank as a volunteer, supporting many developing countries with agricultural and food processing opportunities throughout the world. This led to many friendships in faraway places, such as Siberia, South Africa, Dominica, and Mongolia. He never met a stranger as they quickly became close friends. He finally retired to Lock Haven to be close to family and grandchildren and became involved with the Holy Spirit Parish of Lock Haven, Pa.

He is survived by his wife Johnnie Lou Cancelarich, children: Joseph (Stacy) Cancelarich of Bloomingdale, NJ, Paul Cancelarich of Standish, ME, Judith Koch of Lock Haven and John (Terri) Cancelarich of Melrose, MA and his grandchildren: Jonathan Koch and Sarah, Samuel, Dominik, Anna, Lillian and James Cancelarich.

Along with his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Marie Cancelarich and his grandson Joshua Koch.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on March 10th at 11:00 am at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 310 W. Water St., Lock Haven with Rev. Father Joseph Orr officiating. Visiting time at the church will be 10:00am, followed by a Rosary at 10:30 am. Mass is at 11. Interment will follow at St. Agnes Cemetery, Lock Haven.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be sent to Holy Spirit Parish, Lock Haven.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Moriarty Funeral Home & Crematory, 112 E. Church St., Lock Haven.

A Livestream of Mr. Cancelarich’s Funeral Mass may be viewed via the Donald G. Walker Funeral Home/Moriarty Funeral Home Facebook Page.

Online condolences may be given by visiting www.moriartyfuneral.com