OBITUARY

John Sarantinos

April 16, 1958 – January 12, 2021

On January 12, 2021, John Sarantinos passed away suddenly of a heart attack. He was the beloved husband, of 38 years, of Deborah Sarantinos (nee Croswell); devoted father of Shane Sarantinos and his significant other Heather Young, Ashley Rzepinnik and her husband Gregory, and Adam Sarantinos and his wife Kelly; loving papou of David, Sofia, Stavros, and Xander; brother of Kathy Lamar and her husband David, and Argie Sarantinos. John was a Physical Education Teacher and Coach, for 34 years, at Baltimore City College High School. John loved traveling with Debbie, playing with his grandchildren, riding his bike, and watching football. A Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in John’s name to Luna’s House Animal Shelter, 2801 Pulaski Hwy, Edgewood, MD 21040, or at www.lunashouse.org.

  • FAMILY

  • Deborah Sarantinos (nee Croswell), Wife
  • Shane Sarantinos and his significant other Heather Young, Son
  • Ashley Rzepinnik and her husband Gregory, Daughter
  • Adam Sarantinos and his wife Kelly, Son
  • Kathy Lamar and her husband David, Sister
  • Argie Sarantinos, Sister
  • Loving Papou of David, Sofia, Stavros, and Xander.
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John Sarantinos

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Denise Scollan

January 21, 2021

We have already sent a note of comfort but as I read these memorials I can't help but notice what an impact he had on so many people's lives. What a tribute to the kind of man he was and his character. He will be missed by many and we are all enriched by his time here with us.
Denise and Jerry Scollan


Scott Russell

January 21, 2021

John and I were classmates at Towson (State) University. We met on the practice field of a semi-pro football team, the Baltimore Warriors, through a mutual friend Tom Ritchie.

I immediately took a liking to John. He loved to play football, and he had a great sense of humor. I called him the "Greek Reggie White".

As life advanced, we would email each other during the school year, and holidays, addressing it to Ol' #54 (him) and "Ol' #58 (me). He was a PE teacher when I completed my career switcher program, and was congratulatory when I received my M.Ed. He was a great mentor, too.

I tried to visit him at City one day after school, visiting Baltimore not long before he retired, but we missed each other.

Last time I saw John was at our Warriors Coach, Dick Burton's wake. Even under the sad circumstances, it was great to see him.

I know he loved his wife, was proud of his children, and treasured his grandchildren. Now, he is making God, and Dick Burton, laugh about football. I have known few finer men. You are missing,

Requiescat in pace, Ol' 54. Your teammate, #58.

Baltimore City College Alumni Association

January 20, 2021

To all who mourn for
Joh Sarantinos
the Officers and Board of the
Baltimore City College Alumni Association
extend their condolences.

Michael Hamilton

January 17, 2021

I remember very vividly the first day I met John , it was August 15, 2000. My son was trying out for the football team and I was observing the drills from the bleachers and after practice I introduced myself and offered any assistance I could and John welcomed me without hesitation. That was my introduction to the coaching staff. I greatly appreciated his advice about coaching and many other things. We introduced each other to our families. I was honored when he invited me over to his house for dinners and when his daughter got married. I will always remember his mischievous acts, rearranging my office , deflating my footballs before an important game. I will forever miss his pranks , conversations about family and life and frankly his friendship. I was truly saddened when I heard about his passing.My heart and prayers go out to Debbie and the family , May God wrap his arms around you and the family . Johnny K you will be truly missed. Mikey salutes you.

Lourdes Hamilton

January 17, 2021

Dear Debbie and Family, my sincere condolences on John’s sudden passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. John was a great friend to my husband and I know he is already missing him dearly; I can recall so many stories about their time at City College and the great friendship they shared. It's been such a pleasure to have spent special events with John and Debbie. What a lovely couple, Michael and I loved spending time with you both and I can tell you how much you adored each other and how much you loved your children. I will miss John and hearing my husband laugh during their conversations. May God bring peace and healing to your hearts.

Jesse Schreier

January 16, 2021

I send my profound condolences. My father, James Schreier, started teaching at City in the early 1990s. I know he admired Mr. Sarantinos and his devotion to the students and the student-athletes. My Dad loved working with him.

I graduated from City in 1994 and I remember Mr. Sarantinos always being around the gym in his shorts. He was always supportive and positive. I am extremely thankful for his contributions to City, where I had an amazing high school experience.

Sincerely, Jesse Schreier

Charles Waters

January 15, 2021

“HEY BIG GUY”!!
“That’s how you do it Waters”!!

I’ll always miss those words from Coach Sarantinos.. He was my JV football coach in 2006.. I’ll never forget the first day of football training, I came from another school and saw those big boys on Varsity and was TERRIFIED!! I left but came back the next day and met Coach. He made me feel confident with my size and ability and he was always patient with me. He opened my eyes to what I could do on the field and he was always fair and genuine. I love you and your family Coach and I pray for strength for your family because I know it really hurts losing a beacon of light like you! Rest in love!

Claudia Miller

January 15, 2021

Dear Debbie and family. Our hearts go out to you in this very difficult time. Kenny and I send our prayers of comfort to you. We were only in his company a handful of times but long enough to know that he was a good and decent man.
Love and prayers..Ken and a Claudia Miller

Angie Wolf

January 15, 2021

I will miss his contagious smile and calm presence. What a man! We always think of passing you on NCR trail on Danny's first long ride...no training wheels! May God's Grace comfort you all in the days ahead. Love and hugs,
Angie and Danny. Xoxox

Wade and Chris Scott

January 15, 2021

John was one of the nicest people Chris and I ever met. His quick smile, his booming laugh, his unassuming nature, and his dedication to Debbie were all evident within moments of first meeting him. I could tell there was no pretense when we met John. He was one of those people who was true to who he was, a good man and a caring human being. John and I attended the same high school. Though he was a senior when I was in eighth grade, we shared North Harford Hawk wrestling and football experiences. I sent word to some of his classmates who soon were sharing good memories and condolences. It seems John has always had the same admirable character. They also spoke of his big smile, his barrel chest, his infectious laugh, and his dedication to his friends and teammates. There are many people who knew John and loved him. It is obvious John had lasting positive effects on his high school friends, his City College family, and everyone he met. It is hard to fathom the number of lives he affected in a very positive way. We have all lost a light that shined brightly among us, but I think we each carry a bit of that kindness with us thanks to John and we are thankful for having known him. Chris and I will miss him terribly.

FROM THE FAMILY