John Miklos

john miklos
John Miklos, husband of Elizabeth (Neisner) Miklos, passed away on Thursday, June 3, 2021, at INOVA Fairfax Hospital following a stroke. John was born to John and Julia (Guba) Miklos on March 11, 1942 in Sharon, Pennsylvania.

John was the first person in his family to attend college. After graduating from Westminster College, where he was a captain of the golf team, he attended the University of Pittsburgh for a Master of Science degree in Mathematics. While in Pittsburgh, he met his wife, Betsie and they married on August 15, 1965. Working for IBM took the couple from Pittsburgh to Rockville, Maryland and then to Clear Lake City, Texas. John worked on several projects contributing to NASA’s space program, including the initial space shuttle program. In 1981, his job brought them and their family to Vienna, Virginia, where he resided until his death. During this time, his career transitioned to teaching for IBM and Lockheed Martin as well as Johns Hopkins University.

John was an avid golfer for most of his life. Playing golf with his father at one of the nation’s first public golf courses sparked a love of the game and developed his talents as he became a formidable member of golf teams wherever he lived. He was also an avid collector of books and wine, hobbies that provided ample opportunities to share his interests with friends and family.

In addition to their home in Vienna, John and Betsie spent much of their time after retirement in St. Helena, California, where they enjoyed visiting wineries and hosting family and friends. His enjoyment touring wineries and meeting the people who work in the industry led him to opportunities to extend his love of teaching creativity courses to several wineries over the years.

Woven throughout his life was John’s intense love and admiration for his family and friends. His wife, Betsie, was the central touchstone of his life, followed closely by his children, their husbands and his four grandchildren. As his family grew with marriages and grandchildren, he welcomed each change and enjoyed celebrating everyone’s successes, achievements, and everyday events.

John was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Mary Ann (Miklos) Bokor and her husband George. He is survived by his wife, children and their families: Carol Miklos, Lynn Tatala, and Diane Rajnik, sons-in-law Deron Tatala and Daniel Rajnik, and grandchildren Andrew and Leah Rajnik and Benjamin and Sarah Tatala. His extended family includes Margaret (Peggy) Strand, Samuel and Paula Neisner, and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the Literacy Council of Northern Virginia (www.lcnv.org) or First Tee of Greater Washington, DC (www.firstteedc.org) are appreciated.

At the request of the family, services are private

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  1. The Owners and Staff at the Money and King Funeral Home, wish to express our sincere sympathy to you. It is our hope that we may be able to make a difficult time more bearable. Please feel free to call us anytime as we are always available to you. Bob Gallagher Funeral Director

  2. Lynn, Duke, Ben, Sarah and Family: We extend our thoughts and prayers of peace and comfort to you all during this time. As I read through the obituary, I realized what an accomplished man he was and I truly would’ve loved to have known him! May God wrap you all in His loving arms to release you from sadness and allow you to rejoice in the memories that will remain in your hearts forever. Much Peace and Love to All, Chris, Missy, John-John and Maddie

  3. “What we have once enjoyed deeply we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us”. (Hellen Keller) I am very sorry for the loss of your beloved husband and father. My memories of John are full of laughs and joyfullness, and so I will keep remembering him. My most sincere condolences, Adolfo Vargas & Family

  4. Betsy – This is Liz Skarlatos. I never had the chance to meet your wonderful husband. What a kind and accomplished man. I am so very sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers.

  5. John “Junior” Miklos was my cousin, a fellow golfer who shared his knowledge of and passion for the game with me so many years ago. I remember him as one who was joyful, patient, and caring for a youngster like me who believed she was being taught by a real pro. I just know he is now teeing it up in heaven with his dad and mine. That’s a real golf threesome! Betsie and family, my brother and I send our love and expressions of peace to each and everyone of you.

  6. Dear Betsie & Family, We are so very sorry for your loss-John was a great man . We had the pleasure of getting to know him on his recent trips to California. He shared many stories about all of you and the adventures of his life well lived. It was a great pleasure to spend time with Betsie and him. They always made time for visits with my mom and all of us during their time in California. The words you spoke at the ceremony beautifully captured the essence of this kind and gentle man who will be greatly missed by many. Sending lots of hugs from California, Ami & Bill

  7. Dear Betsie and family, I am so sorry to hear of John’s passing. I worked with John at IBM on the Shuttle program in the late 70’s and 80’s. He was so smart and a great manager and friend. Wishing you all peace and comfort during this difficult time. Marjorie (Cookie) Seiter

  8. We are sorry to hear of John’s passing. I enjoyed playing racquetball with John every week when we lived in Oakton, VA. We moved to CT in 1986 and retired to Marco Island, FL in 2000. John was a fierce competitor and fun to be with. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. Phil and Marilyn Kostelnik


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