John Cistriano

Athlete, scholar, coach, Navy Veteran, mentor, entertainer, world traveler, friend to all, family man John “Jack” 88, passed away peacefully with his daughter at his side in Annapolis Md on September 16, 2023.

He was born in Philadelphia in 1935 to Clara and Dominick Cistriano. As a teen, his mother and younger brother died tragically. He started to head down the wrong path but found sports as a way to cope and push his life in a positive direction. He attended Dobbins High School and then entered the workforce. From there he attended the University of Southern Mississippi and joined the Navy. He met his beautiful wife Judy at Karamac in the Poconos. He was a plank owner on the DDG-18 USS Semmes and served a combination of 32 years active and reserve. He was an assistant baseball and basketball coach at the US Naval Academy which brought he and Judy to Annapolis. In 1967 their daughter Gina was born. In 1969 Jack left active duty and became the first athletic director at Chesapeake College. He coached multiple sports there and eventually became the Academic Dean before retiring. He was heavily involved with the US Olympic Committee, University Games and the NJCAA.

Jack was a friend to all he met. He loved to entertain and bring people together. He will be remembered for his love, kindness, generosity and humor. He was always optimistic and smiling even to the end. He loved to travel the world with family and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife Judy (2009). He is survived by his daughter Gina, grandsons Justin [Amanda] and Adam, and two great grandchildren whom he loved spending time with.

In lieu of flowers, donations can made in Jack’s memory to The University of Southern Mississippi Athletic Scholarship Fund or Wounded Warriors.

A visitation for John will be held Friday, September 22, 2023 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8pm at John M. Taylor Funeral Home, 147 Duke of Gloucester Street Annapolis, Maryland 21401. A Mass of Christian Burial will occur Saturday, September 23, 2023 at 10:00 AM in Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 515 Loch Haven Road, Edgewater, MD 21037. Interment Lakemont Memorial Gardens, 900 West Central Ave, Davidsonville, MD 21035.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared on this website for the Cistriano family.