John B. Lounibos entered eternal life unexpectedly on All Saints Day, November 1, 2025 at the age of 91.

Born in Petaluma, California, on March 21, 1934, a true Renaissance spirit, John embraced life fully. In his youth, he was a talented athlete, competing in track, football, baseball, and boxing. He was proud to quarterback the undefeated, championship football team at St. Vincent's High School (Go Mustangs), and later played semi-professional baseball for the Petaluma Leghorns. He also loved cars, and drove a souped up '36 Ford through his teenage years.  In his 80's he reconnected with this love when he purchased a 2014 Mustang with a throaty Rausch exhaust.

John's intellectual and spiritual journey was as rich as his athletic one. He earned degrees from the University of San Francisco and Gonzaga University, and spent fourteen formative years with the California Province of Jesuits. During that time, he pursued studies in Florence, Italy, and served as a chaplain in Würzburg, Germany—experiences that deepened both his faith and his appreciation for the beauty of culture, language, and the natural world. He later completed his Ph.D. in Theology at Fordham University in the Bronx where he met AnneMarie and started a family.

Upon moving his family to Blauvelt, he went on to serve as a Professor of Religion and Ethics at Dominican University in Orangeburg, New York, where he taught for thirty-seven years. A beloved professor and mentor, he inspired generations of students with his curiosity, humor, and deep love of learning. John was also Dominican University's first Faculty Athletic Representative and first Professor Emeritus, as well as a steadfast supporter of Charger athletics, rarely missing an opportunity to cheer from the sidelines or the stands. His research and writing reflected his lifelong engagement with faith, philosophy, and the mystery of the human spirit. He co-edited four books, including Pagan and Christian Anxiety, and authored Self-Emptying of Christ and the Christian: Three Essays on Kenosis.

Beyond the classroom, John's life was rich with service and joy. Over the years, he was a long time parishioner and lector at St. Catharine's of Blauvelt, trustee, consultant, coach, bus driver, and farm worker—roles that provided him with a rich anthology of stories he was eager to share if you were lucky enough to be within range. Whether it was a story of his farm hand days on his Uncle Ulysses' farm, driving across the alps in a Volkswagen Beetle through a snowstorm, playing pool with Bill Russell (a former classmate) or teaching Dan Pastorini (of Houston Oilers fame) to punt; each anecdote was told with humility and wonder.

John found beauty and meaning in the natural world and could often be found enjoying long walks with AnneMarie. He also cherished classical music, which filled his home with peace. He produced a musical recording of the Ignatian prayer "Suscipe," and he could be heard on any given Sunday singing the hymns with vigor. His laughter, curiosity, and playful spirit brought warmth to every gathering and made even ordinary moments feel extraordinary.

He will be deeply missed by his devoted wife of 55 years, AnneMarie (Liston) Lounibos. John was a proud and playful grandfather to five cherished grandchildren—Lucy, Henry, and Daniel Lounibos, and Sophia and Elena Hanley—who were a constant source of joy and laughter in his later years. John's greatest joy was celebrating his children's and grandchildren's accomplishments.

He is survived by his loving wife AnneMarie, his children, Mark Lounibos (Mandy), Hancock, MI, Kristin Hanley (Jason) Blauvelt, NY, his sister Anne Trott (John), his brother Phil Lounibos (Julie), and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

John was preceded in death by his parents Elrose Beggs Lounibos and John Baptist Lounibos, his siblings: William Gossage, Renee O'Brien and husband Dick, Guy Lounibos and wife Hae Sook and Paul Lounibos.

John's legacy is one of faith, intellect, kindness, and joy—a life fully lived and deeply loved.

A Mass celebrating John's life will be held at a later date. Donations may be made to the charity of the donor's choice.