John Stanley Siemietkowski

John Stanley Siemietkowski, of Ford’s Colony in Williamsburg, VA, passed peacefully from this life while at home on July 31, 2022. Born August 10, 1939, in Philadelphia, PA, he graduated from St. Adalbert’s elementary school, LaSalle College High School, and Drexel University, all in Philadelphia. He lived a life devoted to his family, friends, faith, and community. John contributed to the nation’s defense and security, serving as a mechanical engineer for 38 years at the Philadelphia Naval Base, specifically the Naval Ship Systems Engineering Station (NAVSSES). Though based in Philadelphia, he oversaw Navy gas turbine engines worldwide, rising to the rank of Branch Head. He was the President of the American Association of Mechanical Engineers/Marine Division (ASME). John earned a patent related to the design of marine gas turbine engines. With his wife of nearly 62 years, Marianne (nee Ostapowicz), John lovingly raised his four children in Newportville and Penndel, PA, and for many years in Cherry Hill, NJ. “Retiring” in 1995, John then painstakingly rebuilt a home for him and Marianne on the beach in Brigantine, NJ, where he enjoyed entertaining many friends and family. After withstanding two hurricanes, John and Marianne relocated to Williamsburg in 2014, where the community warmly welcomed them. John was a loyal Philadelphia Eagles, Flyers, and Phillies fan and enjoyed his season tickets. John even drove his family through a snowstorm to Montreal, to watch the Flyers play the Montreal Canadiens at the historic Montreal Forum. He loved anything “Philadelphia,” including Tastykakes, cheesesteaks, hoagies, and Stock’s pound cake. He was so proud of his Philadelphia roots. John was also proud of his Polish heritage, and both he and Marianne continued the Polish traditions, including the Christmas Eve wigilia dinner, with their children and grandchildren. John bravely battled Parkinson’s disease for over two decades, providing an example of graceful courage, resilience, perseverance, strength, and grit to all who knew him. He never complained, despite his failing health and diminished capacities. He was the eternal optimist and exemplified the “glass is always full” mentality. He was very grateful to all his caregivers and healthcare professionals, particularly in recent years. John loyally served his church wherever he lived, even attending daily mass remotely during his last days. He volunteered and served his community in multiple capacities. He also coached and managed his children’s sports teams. John leaves a legacy of faith, family, selflessness, and “roots & wings.” Please keep in your prayers his survivors: wife Marianne, son John and wife Missy, daughter Susan and husband Mike Dewey, daughter Marianne and husband Carey Needham, daughter Michelle and husband Michael Gerber; grandchildren Grace and husband Alex, Claire, Marie, Mary, John, and Timothy. John is also survived by his sister, Theresa Kumor, his wife’s siblings, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. The family will receive family and friends at St. Bede Catholic Church, Williamsburg, VA on August 6th from 10:30 am to 12 pm, followed by a Mass of the Resurrection at 12 pm. Reception to immediately follow at Kaplan Hall. Memorial contributions can be made in memory of John Stanley Siemietkowski to the American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA), https://www.apdaparkinson.org/1907d3l/.