Obituaries

John Joseph Kaczmarek, 82, of Elkridge, MD passed away in the comfort of his home on Thursday, March 7, 2024.

He was born in Steubenville, OH on June 20, 1941, a son of the late Edmund and Stella Nowicki Kaczmarek. John grew up in Weirton, WV and spent most of his life raising his family in Bridgeport, WV.

John was married to Jane Katherine Brown Kaczmarek who preceded him in death on July 17, 2003.

He is survived by one son, Steve Kaczmarek and wife Eva of Bridgeport; one daughter, Laura Wisely and husband Adam of Elkridge, MD; four grandchildren, Anneliese Kaczmarek, and Sullivan, Jack, and Lillia Wisely; and one sister, Christine Ornouski.

John was a graduate of Madonna High School of Weirton, WV, and West Liberty University. He started his career as an educator, teaching social studies and history, as well as directing high school plays. He then went on to work for A.C. Nielsen Marketing Research.

He was an avid member of the Arts community- particularly supporting community theatre. John directed, acted in, and supported many theatre productions over the years. He was an active volunteer for the local schools and community organizations such as teaching Sunday school for All Saints church, assisting local sports as a referee and umpire, and most recently a member of the Knights of Columbus.

Known as the “King of Trivia”, John spent his time reading history books, and the daily newspaper and he loved watching sports and crime shows.
Even though he spent the last ten years in Baltimore, he was a committed Pittsburgh Pirates and Steelers fan. Many friends and family have fond memories of traveling with him to Pittsburgh to watch baseball games.

John’s most notable quality was his ability to connect with others. He was personable, kind, and always willing to lend a helping hand. He made friends with everyone he met and always had a funny joke on the ready. He was not afraid to tell people how much they were appreciated and how much he loved them.

Family and friends may call at the All Saints Catholic Church, 317 E Main St, Bridgeport, WV 26330, on Monday, March 11, 2024 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm where a vigil service will be held at 7:30 pm to conclude the visitation. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the church on Tuesday, March 12 at 10:00 am with Father Walt Jagela presiding. John will be interred beside his wife Jane in the Bridgeport Cemetery following Mass.

Expressions of sympathy may be extended to the family at www.amoscarvelli.com. A service of Amos Carvelli Funeral Home.