Obituary of John P Maruzewsky

"John Maruzewski, 75, of Honesdale, died Friday, May 27 th 2016 after a long battle with lung cancer at Overlook Hospital in Summit, NJ with long-time friend and spouse Lorenzo Cascia at his side. Affectionately referred to as John the Russian by friends and neighbors, he was known in a wide variety of circles as a man who loved a good debate, had strong opinions, was thrifty when it came to his own needs but had a heart of gold when it came to those he loved and believed in. He was a quiet philanthropist and a loud lover of life. The silence for those who love and miss him is deafening. Pre-deceased by his parents, Michael and Stella (Petruchik) Maruzewski, his sisters Stelka Lundberg and Sophia J. Grundy, his brother Robert and his former partner Tom Santiso; John is survived by spouse Lorenzo Cascia, a sister, several nieces and nephews and members of the Santiso family. John earned a Master's in Secondary Education from Montclair State and a Master's of Arts in Teaching at the University of Maryland College Park. He served in the United States Air Force and was extremely proud of his country and his service. He wore his dog tags every day and the American flag was prominently displayed in his front yard. John was retired having dedicated 32 years of service securing land and right of ways for the New Jersey Department of Transportation's Office of Capital Investment and Coordination. John was a Renaissance man with interests as varied as the people who knew and loved him. He enjoyed politics, business, current events, the stock market, reading, walking, traveling, and conversing with friends & neighbors. Above all he loved having rousing discussions in the many venues he frequented. He enjoyed travel around the world visiting nearly every continent and extensive trips throughout the United States which he loved doing often in his own car. In earlier days John and Tom Santiso played and called square dance events nearly every week. John's interest in and prowess with the stock market resulted in a succession of generous donations to his alma mater, the Wayne County Public Library and different foundations and local regional charities through the years. Determined not to allow cancer to take away his independence, John kept up his daily visits for morning coffee at various local cafes where he debated with friends, he took walks through his beloved neighborhood stopping to talk with everyone which made him one of the most well known residents, he stopped in at the local library to read his NY Times or use the computer to check the stock market and he enjoyed Sunday breakfast with his friends from the Valley at Wegmans up until his final days. Unfortunately, there are no words to say how much he will be missed by everyone who knew him. As per his request, John will be cremated without religious ceremony or a memorial service. In the weeks ahead, friends are invited to stop at the house to share stories and celebrate John's life. Memorial donations may be made in John's name to: The Wayne County Public Library 1406 Main Street Honesdale or the University of Maryland, College Park 4603 Calvert Road College Park MD 20740-3421. Arrangements are attended by the Arthur A. Bryant Funeral Home, 1228 Main Street, Honesdale, Pa 18431