John Martin Demagone

John Martin Demangone May 10, 1934 – May 18, 2025 A life of quiet strength, deep love, and the American dream — all while wearing black and gold John Martin Demangone passed away peacefully at home in Towanda, Pennsylvania, surrounded by his loving family and devoted caregivers. Born on May 10, 1934, John was the embodiment of the American dream. The grandson of immigrants from both Italy and Slovakia, he grew up in a modest home. His father, also named John, graduated from the eighth grade; his mother reached the fourth. But they instilled in him a drive to learn, and he became the first in the family to graduate from college — earning a degree in physics with a minor in mathematics from Duquesne University, where he also played collegiate tennis. John was a gifted athlete — especially on the tennis court. In the 1950s, he played on an unusually diverse team for the time, where several of his teammates were African American, including All-American basketball star Sihugo Green. John was deeply disturbed by the racism his teammates faced, and the injustice stayed with him for the rest of his life. Fairness became a quiet but unshakable principle that guided him — in how he treated others, how he raised his children, and how he saw the world. In the 1950s, he moved to Towanda for what would become the only job he’d ever have — a long and loyal career at Sylvania. There, he served as a quality control engineer in the phosphors division — the team responsible for the chemicals that made your television light up in color. It was a job that required precision, focus, and care — all qualities John had in abundance. In 1960, he married the love of his life, Mary Alice Burchill, a registered nurse with a heart as strong as her will. Together they built a life, moving into the home they constructed in 1970 and never leaving it. As John’s health and memory began to falter in later years, Mary Alice cared for him with tireless devotion, making it possible for him to remain in the home they had filled with love and laughter. John was the first to admit that he married up — way up. Mary Alice was, by all accounts, out of his league. He never stopped being amazed that he got to spend his life with her — and anyone who saw them together understood why. John was driven by his faith, his family, his friends, and his community. And — let’s be honest — also by the Steelers and Pirates. His devotion to the Steelers was sacred, and the shared bond around Black and Gold gave John and his family countless memories. John never stopped helping people. And on road trips, John simply didn’t stop. For anything. John never wanted to stop — not for a bathroom break, not for a snack, not to stretch, not even to smell the roses or enjoy the view. Much to the lifelong chagrin of Mary Alice. He was a man on a mission whenever four wheels were involved. A proud Catholic, John was devoted to Saints Peter and Paul Church in Towanda. His faith wasn’t just a belief — it was how he lived. He served as a lector, altar server, and visitor to shut-ins. He never knew how to say no when the church asked — and he never missed Mass, even on vacation. (Much to the dismay of his kids, who learned quickly that arguing was pointless.) John and Mary Alice enjoyed rich friendships through work, church, and the schools their children attended. Their calendar was full of cocktail parties, dinner gatherings, and spontaneous visits with the many people who were lucky to be in their circle. They built a warm, welcoming home and a life surrounded by laughter, conversation, and connection. He was deeply community-minded, always showing up where he was needed. John kept the book at Little League games, ran the scoreboard at St. Agnes basketball games, drove carloads of kids to practices, and cheered from the stands at countless track meets, football games, baseball tournaments, volleyball matches, and high school band parades. If his kids or grandkids were there — playing, marching, performing — so was John. He never once complained. After retiring, John found peace in two of his favorite places: the trails of Bradford County and the shores of any beach where his family gathered. He became an enthusiastic member of the Barkley Mountain hiking crew, spending countless joyful hours exploring the woods with close friends. And he adored the beach — sitting in a chair, toes in the sand, smiling as he watched his children and grandchildren laugh and play in the surf. He wasn’t perfect. He had a short fuse. And a thin skin. For much of his life, he saw the world in black and white — right or wrong. But with age came wisdom, and slowly, John began to see the beauty in life’s shades of gray. The firm authoritarian became a teddy bear around his grandchildren — much to the wide-eyed amazement of his children. John Martin Demangone was a man of his word. They won’t build a statue of him — but they should. He was successful in all the ways that truly matter: in faith, family, friendship, and marriage. He is survived by his devoted wife of 64 years, Mary Alice Demangone. (née Burchill) He is also survived by his children: • John Demangone and his wife Marcy Demangone, of Reading, Pennsylvania • Concetta Oglesby (née Demangone) and her husband Robert Oglesby, of Greenville, North Carolina • Michael Demangone and his wife Karen Demangone, of Phoenix, Arizona • Julie Friedrich (née Demangone) and her husband John Friedrich, of Elmira Heights, New York • Anthony Demangone and his wife Mandy Briggs, of Arlington, Virginia He was the proud grandfather of eight: Nicholas Demangone, Nathan Demangone, Adam Oglesby, Marisa Benulas, Michael Demangone, Kelly Oglesby, Kathryn Demangone, and Briggs Demangone. A viewing will be held at Maryott-Bowen Funeral Home in Towanda, Pennsylvania, on Friday, May 30, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. A Catholic funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, May 31, at 11:00 a.m. at Saints Peter and Paul Church in Towanda, with interment to follow at the Catholic Cemetery in North Towanda. After the burial, all are invited to a funeral reception in the Grotto Hall at Saints Peter and Paul Church. Later that afternoon, the Demangone family will host a celebratory gathering at the family home — a time to share food, raise a glass, and most importantly, share stories about John. We’ll miss him more than words can say. But we know he's watching the game now from the best seat in the house — probably yelling at the refs, smiling at us, and waiting for Mary Alice to bring him a snack. Or most likely, dessert. The family suggests that contributions be directed to Saint Agnes School, 102 Third St. Towanda, PA 18848 in memory of John Martin Demagone. Memories and condolences may be expressed by visiting www.bowenfuneralhomes.com.

John Martin Demagone

May 10, 1934 - May 18, 2025

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John Martin Demagone

May 10, 1934 - May 18, 2025

365 Days of Grief Support

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