John Hugh Wancevich

Born on September 5, 1946, in Columbus, Ohio, John built a life shaped by learning, teaching, and devotion to his family. He was a man of deep knowledge and strong interests, and those who knew him will remember the seriousness of his mind, the breadth of his education, and the steady way he remained present for the people closest to him.

John pursued his education with commitment and purpose. He earned an Associate Degree in Arts from Monmouth College in 1967. He continued there to complete a Bachelor of Arts in English and Speech and Theater in 1970, developing the academic foundations that would guide much of his professional life. Later, he earned a Master of Arts in Speech and Theater from Montclair State College in 1992, further reflecting his enduring dedication to the subjects he cared about most.

For 24 years, John was an English and Theater teacher at Kearny High School in Kearny, New Jersey. In that role, he brought together his love of language, literature, and performance. His work in the classroom was matched by his involvement beyond it. He directed two plays for the high school, contributing to its theater program and sharing his background in speech and theater with students through performance as well as instruction. He also served for several years as the assistant coach for the track team, adding another dimension to his years of service at the school.

John’s connection to New Jersey remained an important part of his life. He was passionate about his home state, and that sense of place was one of the many defining parts of who he was. Alongside that passion was a lifelong love of reading, especially history and biographies. He enjoyed movies, listening to music, and spending time with nature and wildlife. He also had a strong interest in facts and trivia, and he loved talking about World and American history with family and friends. These interests reflected a mind that was active, curious, and engaged.

He was described as smart, educated, and deeply loving toward his family. That love showed itself over the years in the time he gave and the attention he paid to the lives of those he cherished most. He loved attending his daughter’s activities and, later, the activities of his grandchildren, always cheering them on. Those moments of support and presence formed an important part of his life and will remain an enduring part of how he is remembered.

John shared 52 years of marriage with his wife, Silvia. He was also a father to his daughter, Patricia and father-in-law to Juan Camilo. His family also includes his grandchildren, Sebastian, 21, Victoria, 20, and Natalia, 13.

John will be remembered for a life centered on education, thoughtful conversation, and family devotion. His years as a teacher, his love of history and the arts, and his faithful presence at the milestones and activities of those he loved stand as lasting parts of his legacy.

A Memorial Service will be held on October 5, 2026, at 10:00 AM at Sparkman Funeral Home in Richardson, TX.

The Wancevich family deeply appreciates your support during this time, whether expressed through flowers or a memorial donation to the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, a charity that holds a very special place in our hearts in honor of John.

For memorial donations, you can do so here: https://www.christopherreeve.org/get-involved/donate/

For floral tributes, you may choose In Bloom Flowers or your favorite florist: https://inbloomsympathyflowers.com/