John Michael Yuszchak, 63, lost his valiant battle with pancreatic cancer on July 19, 2024. John was born on December 26, 1960 in Willimantic, Connecticut to parents Walter and Dorothy (Cyrkiewicz). He was raised in Ellington, CT with his sister Kathy. Following high school graduation in 1979, he attended Johnson & Wales College in Providence, Rhode Island, and then York College in Pennsylvania where he earned a bachelor's degree in business. In 1989, he married Laurie (Nickerson). They lived in Tolland, CT with their daughter Amanda until a job change relocated them to Pennsylvania in 1996. They lived in Thorndale, PA for 13 years until another career change brought them to Fort Wayne, Indiana in 2009. For his entire career, John worked in the insurance industry in claims management and subrogation. Always a dedicated professional, he worked until the very end for the Westfield Group, where he would have celebrated his 15th anniversary on July 20.

John had a dry wit and indelible sense of humor. He was a simple, humble and quiet man, with a love for history and sports – particularly his beloved New England Patriots, Chicago Blackhawks and Ottawa Senators. He loved the outdoors and was an avid skier, bicyclist and runner. While he ran in numerous 5Ks, one of his proudest moments was participating in a walk in support of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network with his family in 2023. John was a devoted Catholic and lived his life by the principles of love, family and hard work. His greatest joy was spending time with his family, traveling and going on adventures, and doting on his beautiful granddaughter Harlynn, whom he loved and adored.

John leaves a giant hole in the hearts of his wife and best friend Laurie, his daughter Amanda (Michael), and his granddaughter Harlynn. Besides numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and close friends, he will also be missed by his sister and brother-in-law, Kathy and Scott Giard, as well as niece Nicole (Steve), grandnephew Chase, and nephew Michael (fiancé Laura). While our hearts mourn his loss, we take comfort in knowing he is no longer suffering.

The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00am Monday July 29, 2024 in St. Patrick Catholic Church, 12305 Arcola Rd. with visitation from 10-11am in the church. Arrangements through Divine Mercy Funeral Home, 3500 Lake Ave. A funeral service will also be held in Connecticut at a future date, as yet to be determined.

The family extends their sincere thanks to all of his doctors and caregivers, particularly Stillwater Hospice whose compassion and kindness brought comfort during his final transition from this world. To honor his life and courageous fight, in lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (www.pancan.org/donations). To share a remembrance of John or to offer condolences to his family, please visit www.divinemercyfuneralhome.com.

Donations

To honor his life and courageous fight, in lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (www.pancan.org/donations).