John was born Feb. 15, 1937, in Chicago to Thomas and Victoria Gohndrone. He grew up in Roseland and attended Chicago Teachers College where he met his future wife, Dolores Tomasik. John worked for the “Bell System,” starting at Teletype Corp. in Illinois, then at fiPacific NW Bell in Seattle. From there, he went to AT&T in New fiJersey and finally to US West before retiring. After retiring, he served as education director for The Resource Center for the Handicapped.
John was an avid amateur radio operator. He was initially licensed in 1954 as W9IRH and later as N7TT. He actively participated in contests and was recognized globally for his operating and contesting skills, receiving numerous awards. Over the years, John was actively involved with Hamfesters Radio Club, Northern Illinois DX Association, Frankfort Radio Club, Western Washington DX Club, Clark County Radio Club and the Willamette Valley DX Club.
John is survived by his wife, Dolores, and children, John (Patricia), Joseph (Kimberly), Carol Wyler (Craig), Judith Brunsdon (Paul), and Cheryl Curry (Daniel); grandchildren, Judith Gloude (Nicholas), Thomas (Emily), Scott (Megan Marsh) and Robert Wyler (Brittanie); great-grand-children, Genevieve Gloude and George Gohndrone; niece, Sheri Hammond; and nephew, Kenneth Stemme. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Susan Marie, and sister, Jeanette Stemme.
A Celebration of Life will be held April 6th at 1 p.m. at the LaCenter Community Center.
