John was raised in Hoboken, NJ. He earned his Bachelor's degree from Upsala College and went on to obtain his Master's degree from New York University.
John is survived by his beloved wife, Karen Michaelis; his sister-in-law, Lois Paris; his niece, Melissa Newman (Doug); and his nephews, Jonathan Paris (Sarah) and Ben Paris (Charlotte). He was predeceased by his father, George Michaelis; his mother, Kate Michaelis; and his brother-in-law, Henry Paris.
A visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, from 10 am to 12 pm at Smith-McCracken Funeral Home, located at 63 High St., Newton, NJ 07860. The funeral service will begin at 12 pm on Tuesday at the funeral home. John will be laid to rest at North Hardyston Cemetery, 3312 NJ-94, Franklin, NJ 07416.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be offered to the family below.
