John Michael Chomiak, beloved husband of Lori Pritchett, passed away onWednesday, the 5th of March 2014, after a very brave and lengthy battle with cancer. John was born on the 8th of November 1952, in Passaic, New Jersey, and was raised in the Clifton, New Jersey area. He moved to Houston in 1980 and spent over 30 years employed by Exxon Mobil.
John is preceded in death by his father, Nicholas Chomiak. He is survived by his loving wife of 18 years, Lori Pritchett; his mother, Anastasia Chomiak of Middletown, New Jersey; and his sister and brother-in-law, Sonia and Walter Majowicz of Middletown, New Jersey.
John graduated from New Jersey Institute of Technology with a degree in Chemical Engineering in 1974. He went on to obtain a Master’s Degree in Chemical Engineering from McNeese University and a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Houston. In 1980, John joined Exxon Chemical as a Research Engineer in Houston, and progressed through a number of positions, including business analyst and planner. In 1984, he worked an assignment in Great Britian for six months, then returning to Houston. In 1988, John joined Exxon’s Mytex Polymers Joint Venture as Operations Manager and Quality Manager. In 2000, John joined Exxon’s GEMS project, where he worked on applications for supply planning on a global basis. He traveled extensively for Exxon during those years, in Europe, China and Singapore.
John and his wife, Lori, also traveled extensively. They made many trips to Europe and all over the United States. Lori accompanied him on several of his business trips. John became ill while on a business trip in Hong Kong, China, in 2009, and Exxon graciously flew Lori to China to be with him. John ultimately had to retire in 2012 due to his worsening illness, but working for Exxon and the opportunities that afforded, and the friends that he made there, were one of his greatest joys.
John was an extremely active person. He loved the outdoors, and went on many ski trips in his younger years. He also was an avid volunteer for mission trips with St. Luke’s Methodist Church. He met Lori in 1993, and they were married in 1996. He discovered a passion for hiking, and went on many hiking trips in the US and Europe from 2000 to 2009. John was passionate about people, friends, his family, and being healthy, active and happy. He led a very full, active life, and was much admired for his zest for life and his positive attitude during his long illness. He never complained about his condition at the end, and fought his disease with incredible bravery. John was committed to making a difference, and will be missed by all who knew him.
A memorial service is to be conducted at one o’clock in the afternoon on Friday, the 14th of March, in the chapel of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 3471 Westheimer Road in Houston, where Dr. Linda Christians, Executive Pastor, is to officiate.
Prior to the memorial service, the family will have gathered for a private interment at Memorial Oaks Cemetery in Houston.
In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions, in John’s name, may be directed to the Sarcoma Foundation of America, 9899 Main St., Ste. 204, Damascus, MD, 20872 (curesarcoma.org).
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