Obituary of John Parafianowicz
John Parafianowicz
May 15, 1950 — March 12, 2023
On a snowy Sunday night at home, John’s spirit peacefully embarked on its final journey to everlasting life in heaven. He left this world surrounded by the love of his wife (Dorota) and daughter (Lydia) and was welcomed in the next with a warm embrace from his son (Lucas; 1983-2018).
John immigrated from England to Canada in 1953 with his parents (Adam and Jozefa), and thereafter he spent his entire life loyal to the community of St. Catharines. In his 38-year-long career as a teacher — in which he was known as “Mr. P” — he earned deep respect from colleagues, students and parents alike.
John was passionate about simple wonders: spending time with family, working in his garden paradise, watching baseball and hockey (go Leafs!) or strolling the Port Dalhousie Pier with Dorota, the love of his life and his wife of 42 years. Above all, his greatest joy and proudest achievement was being a dad to Lucas (Tricia) and Lydia (Erwin), and devoted “dziadzio” to Anna, Daniel and Stanley. John is also survived by his loving brother Steve (Kim).
John will be remembered for his quiet patience, warm heart, unrelenting kindness and quick humour that never faltered to the end. Despite the hardships of his life, he remained honourably optimistic and lived each day with gratefulness and gratitude.
In true John spirit, “thank you” to all friends, family and care workers who have supported him and his family throughout this journey: Dr. Butler and team at the Melanoma Clinic at Princess Margaret Hospital, Niagara Home & Community Care Support Services (LHIN), Palliative EMS, Hospice Niagara, Wellspring Niagara, Walker Family Cancer Centre and Dr. Patel.
A visitation will be held on Friday, March 17 from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m., and a celebration of John’s life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 18 at George Darte Funeral Home (585 Carlton Street, St. Catharines, 905-937-4444).
If desired, donations can be made in John’s memory to Wellspring Niagara, Hospice Niagara, or Princess Margaret (Melanoma Clinic).
Watch the recording of John's Funeral on Saturday March 18th HERE