1952
2014
John Michael Chomiak, beloved husband of Lori Pritchett, passed away onWednesday, the 5th of March 2014, after a very brave and lengthy battle with cancer. John was born on the 8th of November 1952, in Passaic, New Jersey, and was raised in the Clifton, New Jersey area. He moved to Houston in 1980 and spent over 30 years employed by Exxon Mobil.
John is preceded in death by his father, Nicholas Chomiak. He is survived by his loving wife of 18 years, Lori Pritchett; his mother, Anastasia Chomiak of Middletown, New Jersey; and his sister and brother-in-law, Sonia and Walter Majowicz of Middletown, New Jersey.
John graduated from New Jersey Institute of Technology with a degree in Chemical Engineering in 1974. He went on to obtain a Master's Degree in Chemical Engineering from McNeese University and a Master's in Business Administration from the University of Houston. In 1980, John joined Exxon Chemical as a Research Engineer in Houston, and progressed through a number of positions, including business analyst and planner. In 1984, he worked an assignment in Great Britian for six months, then returning to Houston. In 1988, John joined Exxon's Mytex Polymers Joint Venture as Operations Manager and Quality Manager. In 2000, John joined Exxon's GEMS project, where he worked on applications for supply planning on a global basis. He traveled extensively for Exxon during those years, in Europe, China and Singapore.
John and his wife, Lori, also traveled extensively. They made many trips to Europe and all over the United States. Lori accompanied him on several of his business trips. John became ill while on a business trip in Hong Kong, China, in 2009, and Exxon graciously flew Lori to China to be with him. John ultimately had to retire in 2012 due to his worsening illness, but working for Exxon and the opportunities that afforded, and the friends that he made there, were one of his greatest joys.
John was an extremely active person. He loved the outdoors, and went on many ski trips in his younger years. He also was an avid volunteer for mission trips with St. Luke's Methodist Church. He met Lori in 1993, and they were married in 1996. He discovered a passion for hiking, and went on many hiking trips in the US and Europe from 2000 to 2009. John was passionate about people, friends, his family, and being healthy, active and happy. He led a very full, active life, and was much admired for his zest for life and his positive attitude during his long illness. He never complained about his condition at the end, and fought his disease with incredible bravery. John was committed to making a difference, and will be missed by all who knew him.
A memorial service is to be conducted at one o'clock in the afternoon on Friday, the 14th of March, in the chapel of St. Luke's United Methodist Church, 3471 Westheimer Road in Houston, where Dr. Linda Christians, Executive Pastor, is to officiate.
Prior to the memorial service, the family will have gathered for a private interment at Memorial Oaks Cemetery in Houston.
In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions, in John's name, may be directed to the Sarcoma Foundation of America, 9899 Main St., Ste. 204, Damascus, MD, 20872 (curesarcoma.org).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
April 4, 2014
Jay Frank
I am so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
March 18, 2014
We are very sorry to learn of this. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
John & Debbie Focke
March 17, 2014
Bob Grossman
Lori, I am very sorry for your loss of John. I heard so much about John, he was loved and respected by many. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Bob Grossman
March 15, 2014
Jayne Rocha
Lori - May God comfort you through the difficult times ahead. John was lucky to have you by his side through his battle with cancer. As Linda said on Friday, he did not lose the battle, God won. He is in heaven now, hiking the most beautiful majestic mountains imaginable. He was compassionate, caring, and a man with integrity. We will miss him. We love you - Jayne, Mike, and Alex
March 15, 2014
Jayne Rocha
Lori - May God comfort you through the difficult times ahead. John was lucky to have you by his side through his battle with cancer. As Linda said on Friday, he did not lose the battle, God won. He is in heaven now, hiking the most beautiful majestic mountains imaginable. He was compassionate, caring, and a man with integrity. We will miss him.
March 13, 2014
John's been a good friend for many years. Please know that you are not alone, Lori. We're here for you! Love and our condolences to you and John's family. Janice and Norm
March 13, 2014
Gloria Gene Moore
I met John through MD Anderson's survivor network and we became fast friends united by a deadly form of cancer few survive. He approached his treatment with the scientific background one would expect from him and I believe lived longer than his doctors predicted due to his healthy living and amazing attitude. Thank you God for the gift of John to us all. He was a shining example of grace and dignity under fire while trying to outsmart this perplexing form of cancer. Lori, my heart goes out to you. Sending you love and light.
March 13, 2014
Ted Steichen
Thinking of the 30+ years I had the privilege to know John, I most remember him for his often outsized laugh and equally big heart. Always interested and thoughtful, I could count on his steady outlook no matter what. I was so happy that he had you as his wife, he deserved the best - - - and in you he was blessed. You will remain in my prayers for all you two went through together. I hope you will keep in touch, I want to witness your journey forward, after the mourning, I believe it will be fabulous. You are a very special person.
March 13, 2014
Norma Welscher
Lori,
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Norma
March 13, 2014
Lori,
My deepest sympathy for your loss. I thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Yvonne Kunetka
March 13, 2014
Robet Ardan
Lori. John will be truly missed by all who knew him. John and I were friends since junior high school. We shared many experiences together the last of which was when we traveled to Bethel New York the site of Woodstock where we were able to share some of our life and times dating back to the 1960s. I'm so glad we had that opportunity! John was a born hiker and one of our last hikes together was into the mountains of northwest New Jersey which I'll always cherish. We had a plan to visit the eastern European enclave in New Jersey and to sample the great dining fare of our ancestors I will make the trip in your honor John. Thanks John for being such a great friend for so many years. My thoughts and prayers are with you Lori. Rest in peace John you will be sorely missed.
March 13, 2014
David Brothers
Lori,
What a beautiful description of John's life. His life was a blessing to many. He was lucky to have you as his wife - I know that you loved him very much. Many folks will express sorrow for your loss. However, since we don't really lose something unless we don't know where it is, and since you know exactly where John is, that he is in Heaven, and since Scripture says that a thousand years are like a day and a day is like a thousand years, I figure that you will be together again before supper time! Our prayers are with you. Please let me know if there is anything that we can do to help you.
March 12, 2014
Cynthia Crowe
Lori,
My deepest sympathy for your loss. You were blessed to have each other for so long. My thoughts are with you and your family.
March 12, 2014
Lori, Gary and I are so sorry for your loss, and we wish we could be there now with you. I hope we can see you soon. Marlene and Gary Babic
March 12, 2014
Mrs lori we thank The LORD life of Mr John he was a Blessing to a lot of people and you are hearing from 1 of the now.HE was a great person and a pleasure to work with.Our Prayers are with you and the Mr John Family.adrian
March 12, 2014
Mrs lori Mr John was a man of great integrity it was a blessing to have known and work with him will be in prayer for you and family be encourage in THE LORD ADRIAN
March 12, 2014
Ananda McVey
Lori, so sorry to hear of your loss. Prayers and well wishes for you and the family
March 12, 2014
Janet Swiss
Lori, what a beautiful tribute to John. My heartfelt sympathies for your great loss.
March 12, 2014
Bryan Coleman
Lori, I'm so sad for the loss of John. May God comfort you with the assurance that you will see John again.
March 12, 2014
Nancy Laha Clark
Dearest Lori, I am so sorry that you have lost your partner, husband and friend. I am also sad to know that John had such a long and hard fight to live. I know how painful it is to see someone you love fade away. If there is anything at all I can do to help you, you know you can call on me.
Love you, Nancy
March 11, 2014
Cindy Reese Adkins
Lori,
May God wrap his arms around you giving you comfort in knowing that John is at peace. He was a wonderful person. God bless you and the rest of John's family.
Showing 1 - 21 of 21 results
Funeral services provided by:
Geo. H. Lewis & Sons Funeral Directors1010 Bering Drive, Houston, TX 77057
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more