John Thomas Pivik
May 15, 1954 ~ March 27, 2023
John Thomas Pivik
John Thomas Pivik, 68, died unexpectedly at his home in Vienna, VA on Monday, March 27, 2023. He was under treatment for a heart condition, from which he had appeared to be improving.
Full of light and love and music, he brought joy, kindness and laughter to devoted family and friends. He was well known as an enthusiastic supporter of his alma mater, the Pennsylvania State University, especially the football and engineering programs.
John leaves behind his loving wife Donna Ritter Pivik, to whom he was married to for nearly 44 years. The two met in 1974 at a fast food restaurant and were married in 1979. He is also survived by his affectionate daughter, Michelle Elizabeth Pivik and her fiancé Albert Mealer. John and his grandson, Parker Blake Smith, maintained a devoted, loving bond. Surviving son, Michael John Pivik, also mourns his father. The two shared a deep common interest in music. John is also survived by his siblings: Max Pivik (spouse Diane Siebel and their children Leanne Mitchell, Dana Mahr and Max Joseph); Maria Scholtz (spouse Jim and their children Emily Warble and Travis); and Joanne Parme (spouse Patrick and their children Brian and Patrick).
John is predeceased by his parents, Maximillian Pivik and Helen Rose Poklemba. John was born May 15, 1954 in Wilkinsburg, PA and grew up in Unity, PA. He graduated from Plum High School.
John graduated from the Pennsylvania State University, State College, with a degree in Architectural Engineering with an Environmental Engineering option in 1978. He earned his Master of Science degree from Marymount University, Management for Organization Effectiveness in 1995.
Professionally, John worked at Leo A. Daly, FACE Associates, Girard Engineering, GHT Engineering, Resolution Trust Corporation and the World Bank. He was associate faculty for the Catholic University of America School of Architecture and an Adjunct Instructor at George Mason University, where he developed and taught courses in facility management, finance, executive leadership and environmental sustainability. He was recently employed by the Northern Virginia Community Colleges to manage capital projects. John wrote prolifically for publications in his field and spoke at numerous conferences. Among his awards and accolades, he was named Educator of the Year for the International Facility Management Association, the EPA Green Power Leadership Award and numerous other recognitions, including a LEED Green Associate.
John was an organizer of musical theme parties including “Putting on the Hits” for his numerous friends and could recite any song lyric from the 70s and 80s. Once he mounted drywall stilts for a costume party to portray a monster, demonstrating his sense of humor. Playing golf, especially in Hilton Head, SC was a passion. John also sang in the choir at St. Mark’s Catholic Church, Vienna and was a Boy Scout Troop 1113 leader.
On Saturday, the family will receive friends from 2 p.m to 3 p.m. at Money and King Funeral Home, 171 Maple Avenue West, Vienna. The memorial service follows immediately. Memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association.
John Thomas Pivik, 68, died unexpectedly at his home in Vienna, VA on Monday, March 27, 2023. He was under treatment for a heart condition, from which he had appeared to be improving.
Full of light and love and music, he brought joy, kindness and laughter to devoted family and friends. He was well known as an enthusiastic supporter of his alma mater, the Pennsylvania State University, especially the football and engineering programs.
John leaves behind his loving wife Donna Ritter Pivik, to whom he was married to for nearly 44 years. The two met in 1974 at a fast food restaurant and were married in 1979. He is also survived by his affectionate daughter, Michelle Elizabeth Pivik and her fiancé Albert Mealer. John and his grandson, Parker Blake Smith, maintained a devoted, loving bond. Surviving son, Michael John Pivik, also mourns his father. The two shared a deep common interest in music. John is also survived by his siblings: Max Pivik (spouse Diane Siebel and their children Leanne Mitchell, Dana Mahr and Max Joseph); Maria Scholtz (spouse Jim and their children Emily Warble and Travis); and Joanne Parme (spouse Patrick and their children Brian and Patrick).
John is predeceased by his parents, Maximillian Pivik and Helen Rose Poklemba. John was born May 15, 1954 in Wilkinsburg, PA and grew up in Unity, PA. He graduated from Plum High School.
John graduated from the Pennsylvania State University, State College, with a degree in Architectural Engineering with an Environmental Engineering option in 1978. He earned his Master of Science degree from Marymount University, Management for Organization Effectiveness in 1995.
Professionally, John worked at Leo A. Daly, FACE Associates, Girard Engineering, GHT Engineering, Resolution Trust Corporation and the World Bank. He was associate faculty for the Catholic University of America School of Architecture and an Adjunct Instructor at George Mason University, where he developed and taught courses in facility management, finance, executive leadership and environmental sustainability. He was recently employed by the Northern Virginia Community Colleges to manage capital projects. John wrote prolifically for publications in his field and spoke at numerous conferences. Among his awards and accolades, he was named Educator of the Year for the International Facility Management Association, the EPA Green Power Leadership Award and numerous other recognitions, including a LEED Green Associate.
John was an organizer of musical theme parties including “Putting on the Hits” for his numerous friends and could recite any song lyric from the 70s and 80s. Once he mounted drywall stilts for a costume party to portray a monster, demonstrating his sense of humor. Playing golf, especially in Hilton Head, SC was a passion. John also sang in the choir at St. Mark’s Catholic Church, Vienna and was a Boy Scout Troop 1113 leader.
On Saturday, the family will receive friends from 2 p.m to 3 p.m. at Money and King Funeral Home, 171 Maple Avenue West, Vienna. The memorial service follows immediately. Memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association.
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A treasured friend and neighbor – from Savoy Drive to Limb Tree Lane – John could always be counted on for a kind greeting, a smile, a funny quip, or a big hug. He was a friend to all. If you needed help, like managing a flooded basement, John would be there. If your dog needed emergency vet care, John would be there too. And if you had the pleasure of dining out with him, perhaps at one of his favorites like Peking Gourmet Inn, he would happily share the Maotai. John’s optimistic demeanor and generosity was a tremendous blessing to us and countless others.
John cherished his family. His love for Donna, Michelle and Michael as well as pups Lacey and Maddie was unfailing. His pride and joy in each of them was 100% evident. It never wavered.
We are deeply grateful for the sweetest memories of Fourth of July fireworks in the cul-de-sac, impromptu barbecues and making the most of multiple snowstorms. During the blizzard of 1996 John built an amazing snow dragon and a sled run that was easily 20 yards long. It was enjoyed by the young and the young at heart. John was always a generous host, he made their parties loud and fun and made everyone feel welcome. And equally you couldn’t ask for a better guest, his kindness and embrace made every get together better.
John was blessed with a beautiful voice. And we were blessed to hear him sing at parties and in church on many occasions. Certainly he is now singing in the heavenly choir. And we can easily imagine our Heavenly Father saying to John, “Well done, my good and faithful servant. Welcome home.”
With all our love,
Carol & Mike
Are thoughts and prayers are with you.
A candle was lit for the decedent.
Our deepest sympathy on the loss of John. He was such a kind man. We know he meant the world to your family. Love and prayers, Mark & Meg Parme
I am so sorry to hear of John’s passing. He and I went to school at St John’s and Plum High and worked together at Winkys restaurant in Plum. Karen and I send our deepest sympathy on your loss. Our prayers are with you at this sorrowful time.
George and Karen Ramsey
i had the pleasure of meeting mr pivik at my sisters wedding in miami very nice fellow easy to talk to very understanding,i am so sorry he is not with us my prayers go out him may he rest in peace.