Many of us at St. John’s fondly remember John, Maryann his wife and their family. Before moving to Pennsylvania, he was always depended upon to help St. John’s in any way he could.  He was a loyal and busy member of the Board of Trustees and eventually became President for a time.  He and his beautiful family made valued memories of their work and time spent with us here at St. John’s.   We will never forget his delicious pancakes at our pancake breakfasts.  They left many friends here and they were not forgotten.  

We at St. John’s pray:    With the Saints give rest, O Christ, to the soul of Thy servant, where sickness and sorrow are no more, neither sighing, but life ever-lasting.   Whither we mortals all shall go, making our funeral dirge the hymn; Alleluia. Memory Eternal.

His obituary follows:                  John S. Mikita, known affectionately to friends and family as John, passed away peacefully on January 10, 2026, in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Born on August 5, 1940, in Passaic, New Jersey, John's life was one marked by adventure, thoughtfulness, and selflessness. John was the beloved husband of Maryann (nee Machak) Mikita. His legacy of love and dedication lives on through his cherished children, Karen Kaufhold and her husband, Stephen, of Lebanon Township, NJ; Kevin Mikita and his wife, Rachelle, of Middletown, NJ; and Michael Mikita and his wife, Michele, of Phoenixville, PA. He was a proud grandfather to Brady and Regan, who will miss their grandfather's stories and life lessons. John is also survived by his brothers, Jerry Mikita of Newton, NJ, and Glyn Mikita of Palm Beach, FL. He was predeceased by his parents, John and Anna (nee Haluska) Mikita, and his brothers, Daniel and Joseph Mikita.

John's work ethic and leadership were evident throughout his career as a Department Manager for Inserra Shop-Rite Store of Passaic. He was a respected colleague and mentor to many. His service to his country as a veteran of the US Navy from 1963 to 1965 was a point of pride and instilled in him a sense of discipline and commitment that he carried throughout his life. An avid fisherman, John could often be found at his favorite fishing spots, where he found peace and solace in the beauty of nature. His garden was a testament to his patience and nurturing spirit, and his culinary creations were a source of joy for all who had the pleasure of tasting them.

John lived by the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, "To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children... to leave the world a bit better... to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded." Indeed, John succeeded in all these ways, touching the lives of those around him with his adventurous spirit, his thoughtful nature, and his selfless actions.

John's journey through life was one of purpose and impact. He was a beacon of light in the lives of his family and friends, and his memory will continue to inspire those who knew him. As we bid farewell to John S. Mikita, we celebrate a life well-lived and cherish the countless memories he has left behind. His was a life that exemplified the very essence of success, not through material wealth or accolades, but through love, kindness, and the quiet moments of happiness shared with others. John's story is not one of an end but a beautiful chapter in the enduring book of life that his family and friends will continue to read from and add to for generations to come.

Visitation will be from 11:00- 12:30 pm on Friday, Jan. 16, 2026 at Bizub-Quinlan Funeral Home, 515 Lexington Avenue, Clifton followed by a prayer at 12:30 pm. Interment to follow at East Ridgelawn Cemetery, Clifton. Those wishing to extend their sympathies may consider a contribution to Mane Stream, PO Box 305, Oldwick, NJ 08858 (manestreamnj.org) or Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Avenue, Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601. (alz.org)