May 20, 1943 — May 12, 2021
John passed on May 12, 2021 from ALS, known as Lou Gehrig's disease. For many years he had stayed true to his theme song "I Will Survive," often sung by his favorite diva, Diana Ross, and he will continue to survive in the hearts of all who knew him.
John received his doctorate at Ohio State, where he came out as a gay man and joined DignityUSA, a support organization for LGBTQ Catholics.
In 1978 John met Bill Baird at a Catholic retreat center in Colorado Springs. They moved to San Francisco in 1984, and John became the vice president of student life and dean of students at Dominican College in San Rafael.
John had several families, including the residents of Fountaingrove Lodge (LGBTQ retirement community) in Santa Rosa. He enjoyed attending events with the Black Tie Men's Club, and retreats with Body Electric.
John is survived by Baird, his husband of 42 years, and by the host of friends that John acquired over his lifetime.
Donations may be made to the ALS Foundation or to the John Kennedy Endowment Fund for Student Life at Dominican University of California.
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