JOHN R. WASILIK, 75, passed away on May 30, 2021 unexpectedly at home in Collierville, TN. Born on December 4, 1945, in Passaic, NJ, he was a long-standing member of the Church of the Holy Apostles, Collierville, TN. He was preceded in death by his mother, Marilyn Wasilik, his father, John Wasilik, both of Garfield, NJ, an infant son, John Ross Wasilik, and his sister, Dorothy Paddock, of Whiting, NJ. He leaves behind his wife of 45 years, Patricia Sears Smith Wasilik, of Collierville, three daughters, Krista Cummings (husband Steve), Dara Wanzer (husband David), Stephanie Albright (husband Hoby) and a son, Kevin Smith (wife Nancy). John was the proud grandfather of Rachael Cummings, Cooper and Cole Albright, and Samantha Smith.
Following his graduation with an M.S. in Chemical Engineering from Bucknell University in 1969, John embarked on a 41 year career with DuPont, with service broken to serve two years in the U.S. Army, where he was discharged honorably at the rank of Captain. While with DuPont he held numerous leadership positions in operations, R&D and business management, retiring in 2010 after 12 years as Plant Manager of the Memphis Plant. On the reserved side, he was a perfect balance to Pat’s extraverted personality. They both shared an intense love of family and an unshakable belief in God. John enjoyed bowling, where he carried a 200 average, and flying sport kites in the Outer Banks of North Carolina during his family’s annual vacation.
The family requests in lieu of flowers any memorials should be sent 2021 Walk to End Alzheimer's - Oklahoma City, OK (Alzheimer's Association: Oklahoma City, OK Walk, 9370 Olive Blvd, Saint Louis, MO 63132, https://act.alz.org/gotoDW2WALK), or to the Church of the Holy Apostles. The Memorial Service is scheduled at the Church of the Holy Apostles at 1380 Wolf River Blvd, Collierville, TN 38017 on Friday. June 4, 2021 at 2:00p.
