John Edward Felicitas passed away on Thanksgiving, November 28, 2024, after a gallant, nearly five-year battle with stomach cancer. "He understood the power of unconditional love and servant leadership, and he exhibited the courage to share it with deep sincerity, contagious humor, and wild abandon with everyone fortunate enough to know him" noted Angela Small, Leadership Southern Maryland (LSM) Board Member.

John was born October 11, 1951, at St. Paul's Hospital in Livermore, California. His parents were not well educated, but his father and uncles always stressed how important an education was and that he must stay in school. From the age of ten he knew he wanted to be a teacher, crediting his 5th Grade Teacher, Mrs. Nelson, for influencing him. Later it was the guidance of his high school teachers and advisors that clinched his career path.

Following graduation from Granada High School, John enrolled in junior college but then he enlisted in the Army, following his father and brothers into military service, starting basic training on his 21st birthday. John served at the US Army Garrison Schweinfurt, Germany where he was an Artillery Survey Specialist (Spec 4) in the US Army Europe – 1st Battalion of the 10th Field Artillery under the 3rd Infantry Division. Always quick to share how grateful he was to his brothers already serving in the Navy in Vietnam, believing this is why he was sent to Germany. He was proud of his family's tradition of service.

Upon his return from Germany, John completed his Bachelor of Arts degree from San Jose State University and launched an extraordinary 37-year career in education, influencing countless lives initially through his roles as an elementary school teacher, union organizer, and National Education Association senior policy analyst. Then in 1992 when he and his soon to be bride moved to Southern Maryland he served as a human resource specialist, high school administrative assistant, and college professor once he earned his Master of Arts – Leadership in Teaching at his alma mater, Notre Dame of Maryland University. John taught "Education that Is Multicultural," a course that underscores his commitment to diversity and inclusion. For over a decade, he served as a beacon of knowledge and inspiration, teaching and presenting Diversity workshops and training sessions for many organizations.

Upon retirement, John continued his journey of service by joining LSM, where he served as a board member and president. John was a graduate of LSM Class of 2013 and a recipient of the LSM Heritage Award in 2024. John's work always aimed to define diversity, one human at a time and so he was thrilled to join the board of Historic Sotterley and to advocate for the Common Ground Initiative and Student Educational programs.

The importance of family in John's life cannot be overstated. He is predeceased by his parents, Anacleto (Clay) Bilguera and Juanita Gaytan Felicitas; and his siblings Clay Ponciano Felicitas, Judy Victoria and Michael Peck. John is survived by his wife Christine Wray, son Andrew John Felicitas (Jessica Kloid) and his grandchildren – the light of his life during his cancer journey – Harper Wray and Henry Benjamin Felicitas. He was never happier than when the house was full of family, friends and students enjoying a meal that John lovingly prepared – especially grilled BBQ, Filipino Lumpia, or Mexican Tamales at Christmas time.

No services are planned at this time.

In honor of John's life's work and philanthropy, donations are encouraged to be made to:

Historic Sotterley's Common Ground Initiative and student educational programs, 44300 Sotterley Lane, Hollywood, MD 20636 or go on-line at www.sotterley.org to donate.