John J. Van Dyke

John Van Dyke, 68, of Lawrence MA, passed away on Friday November 15, 2023, at Lawrence General Hospital. Born in Temple, Texas, he was the son of the late Dr. John Van Dyke and Stephanie Mary (Pelczar) Van Dyke. John was a graduate of Lawrence High School and received his Bachelor’s degree in finance from Merrimac College. Prior to his degree, John worked with computers at Wang, Picturtel, Polycom, and with investments at Fidelity. For many years he was a landlord to 9 housing units which foreshadows one of many George Bailey-like characteristics within him. He had his first born, a daughter, at 26 and his second born, a son, at 28. Fatherhood sparked John’s kid-at-heart spirit. For over two decades, John outfitted the scariest trick-or-treat house in Lawrence and he lead his kids and their cousins to many haunted houses and hayrides. John was a superb Jack-o-lantern and costume makeup artist. Whether it be, adventures to Boston on the train, beaches in the rain, softball games for a decade, WWF wrestling events, guitar lessons, sledding, snowboarding, Broadway plays, and many First Nights, - John made the most of quality time and many happy memories. His daughter will forever remember him catching countless softball pitches “on” and “off” season. His son will remember the go-kart and elaborate train set he built with him. John made the best enchiladas; a tribute to his Texas roots. John learned how to fly Cessna airplanes and he had dreams to travel. He visited Peru, Barbados, Ireland, and Mexico during his life. John made friends wherever he went whether it be the workplace or a coffee shop. Even animals took a keen liking to John as he was known to feed, play, or attempt to communicate in their native tongue with them. Extended family members who knew John as a kid and teenager fondly tell countless stories of John’s practical jokes. His quirky humor and infectious laughter won way to the hearts of many dear friends and family. John was a do-it-yourselfer who could fix computers, cars, and houses. Throughout his life he could be found fixing his or families’ appliances. The last 8 years of John’s life, he courageously lived a “new normal” as a quadriplegic due to a spinal cord injury. He showed all those who cared for him the will to live and his humor shined bright through the concluding years of his injury exemplifying grace. John will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his daughter, Lauren Van Dyke of Nevada City, CA, son, Matthew Van Dyke of Lawrence, MA, sister, Karen Van Dyke and her husband, Jeff Freedman of San Diego CA, nieces, Regan Brown of New York and Rebecca Pagan of Lawrence, MA, aunt, Czesia Pelczar and cousins Elizabeth Pelczar, Jamie Pelczar, former wife, Cheryl Mello of Lawrence, MA. Predeceased by his sister, Judith Brown. The family is planning a “Celebration of Life, Sorrow of Death (COLSOD)” held on his birthday Friday April 26th 2024.”

Tributes

John J. Van Dyke

April 26, 1955 - November 15, 2023