John Francis Sisko

SISKO, John F., 80, was called home by the Lord on April 5, 2013, after a 15-month struggle with glioblastoma brain cancer. John was born in Brooklyn, NY on August 14, 1932, to Madeline and Frank Sisko. Though he lived in River Vale, NJ for nearly 40 years, he remained a New Yorker at heart.

A scholar athlete, John attended St. John's Prep on a baseball scholarship. As a senior, he was recruited by the minor league system of the St. Louis Browns (now Baltimore Orioles). Following his father's sound advice, he declined the offer and continued his education at St. John's University, also with a baseball scholarship. While there, he was a member of the Sigma Rho fraternity and sang in the glee club.

After college, John served his country with pride as a member of the occupying forces following the Korean War. He was a First Lieutenant in the United States Marines.

Upon returning from active duty, John began graduate school in the field of Education at Brooklyn College. While registering for classes, he met his beloved wife Evelyn of 52 years. After teaching middle school social studies for several years, he took the reins of his uncle's magazine and book distributing business - the perfect post for a voracious reader.

John was a gifted storyteller who embodied joie de vivre, warmth and generosity. He owned and bred thoroughbred horses, enjoyed golf, loved vacations in Cape Cod, but most of all he adored his family and friends to whom he was fiercely loyal. His commitment to family was especially evident in his unfaltering dedication to and loving care for Evelyn who suffers from Alzheimer's disease. All those who knew him were blessed.

John is survived by his wife Evelyn, daughter Valerie (Anthony Spatarella) and grandson, Anthony John "A.J." He is also survived by his brother, Frank (Victoria), nephew Stephen and niece Laura Costa, as well as many other family members and friends.

Donations may be made in John's name to H.U.M.C., for check memo:John Theurer Cancer Center and Spine Institute, 20 Prospect Avenue, Hackensack, NJ 07601 (551) 996-3720 or to St. John's University Attn: Kathleen Mannion, Donor Relations, 8000 Utopia Parkway, Queens, NY 11439 for check memo: J.Sisko Athletic Scholarships, for questions or credit card gifts- (718) 990-5312