John T. Sylvanowicz

John Theodore Sylvanowicz, 83, passed away on April 18, 2025, at Rutland Regional Medical Center, surrounded by his devoted wife of 57 years, Charleen Sylvanowicz, and Children Karen and Stephen.

John was born on July 18, 1941, in Salem, Massachusetts, to Milton and Helen (Nicgorska) Sylvanowicz. He was a proud graduate of St. John’s Preparatory School in Danvers, MA, and earned a degree in Industrial Engineering from Northeastern University 1964.

He began his career in Ludlow, Vermont, as a member of the GE Manufacturing Management Program, graduating in 1968. In 1970, John embarked on a new path in the medical device field, where he worked on the manufacturing and development of invasive cardiology catheters and abdominal aortic surgical prostheses. Although he never took formal bioscience courses, John learned through experience—studying and working alongside cardiologists and interventional radiologists, to whom he was deeply grateful.

Through these collaborations, John formed relationships with many pioneers in the medical field. His expertise and dedication led to his appointment as Vice President of Research and Development in both the Catheter and Surgical Divisions at C.R. Bard Medical Company, where he spent 30 years and was listed as author or co-author on six patents.

Later, John transitioned to the ophthalmic field, becoming Vice President of R&D at Surgical Specialties in Exeter, PA, where he worked until his retirement in 2003.

Outside of work, John had many interests, including stamp collecting, fishing, reading adventure fiction, solving crossword puzzles, and taking on various home building projects. He especially enjoyed sharing morning coffee and conversation with his close-knit group of friends—affectionately known as the ROMEOS (Retired Old Men Eating Out).

John is survived by his wife, Charleen; his daughters, Janice (Richard) Joy of Jupiter, FL, and Karen Sylvanowicz of North Andover, MA; his son, Stephen J. Sylvanowicz of Danvers, MA; and four beloved grandchildren: Richard and Maxwell Joy, and William and Grace Darocha. He was predeceased by his father, Milton; his mother, Helen; and his sister, Delores Sylvanowicz.

The family wishes to express deep gratitude to Dr. Allen Eisemann and the nurses of the Hematology section at the Foley Cancer Clinic and Infusion Center, as well as Dr. Clara Rimmer and the ICU nurses at Rutland Regional. A special thank-you goes to his palliative care nurse, Eva Zititz, for her compassion and support.

There will be no calling hours. Arrangements are under the direction of Clifford Funeral Home in Rutland, VT. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday May 9, 2025 at 11 A.M. at Christ the King Church in Rutland, VT. With  The Rev Msgr Bernard W Bourgeois as the celebrant.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Christ the King Church and the Foley Cancer Center at Rutland Regional Medical Center in John’s memory.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Clifford Funeral Home. Online condolences at www.cliffordfuneralhome.com