John Dornik

John Dornik, 85, of Madison, CT, passed away on March 20, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family. He was born on September 15, 1939, in Clifton, New Jersey to Peter and Suzanna (Kunsezich) Dornik, and lived a life centered on family, hard work, and enjoying the simple things that brought him happiness.

For 65 years, John shared a beautiful life with his wife, Lydia Maria Dornik. Together they built a home filled with love, laughter, and lasting memories. Their bond was unbreakable, and now they are together again.

John earned an engineering degree after studying both chemical and mechanical engineering at Newark College of Engineering. He went on to build a long and successful career, eventually founding his own home inspection business—Dornik Associates—where his sharp eye, integrity, and professionalism made him a trusted name in the community.

John was happiest outdoors with a fishing rod in hand—fishing was his favorite way to relax, reflect, and enjoy the peace of nature. He enjoyed tending to his garden and spending time at the family’s lake house in Woodstock, CT, especially during the Woodstock Fair. Attending the fair with his children and grandchildren became a treasured tradition, creating special memories that reflected just how much family meant to him. That same love for family extended across the miles—though he only visited Slovakia once, John remained closely connected with his extended relatives there, keeping in touch over the years and honoring the ties that meant so much to him.

He had a creative heart and quite the sense of humor, often writing little poems for the people he loved most. His funny and thoughtful words were just one of the many ways he showed how deeply he cared.

John was predeceased by his beloved wife Lydia; his children, John Randall Peter Dornik and Lauranne Kathleen May; his parents, Peter and Suzanna (Kunsezich) Dornik; and all of his siblings: Peter Dornik Jr., Helen (Dornik) Kohan, Margaret (Dornik) Gill, Mary (Dornik) Potosnak, George Dornik, and Evelyn (Dornik) Walker.

He is survived by his loving daughter Jennifer Baker and his cherished grandchildren: Alexis Nolan, Taylor May, Erica Beecher, Ryan May, and Dylan May. He was also a proud great-grandfather to Kenneth Nolan, Everleigh Nolan, and Nora Lauranne May.

John will be remembered for his quiet strength, his kind spirit, and his deep love for his family. His legacy lives on in the values he passed down, the memories he created, and the many lives he touched along the way.

Hospodi pomiluj.