John A. Michalowicz Obituary
John A. Michalowicz, 79, with his cherished view of the Atlantic Ocean from his home in Gloucester Massachusetts and surrounded by loved ones, passed peacefully after his battle with cancer. He will be missed deeply for his humor, intellect, kindness, and generosity.
Born on July 2nd, 1943, to Joseph and Louise Michalowicz, he grew up in Chevy Chase Maryland, and attended Gonzaga College High School, Catholic University, and Chrysler Institute of Engineering.
As an engineer in both profession and at heart, he never stopped innovating and learning. Starting his career in the 1960's at Chrysler Corporation, he was a pioneer of vehicle dynamics simulations, developing mathematical solutions and practices that are still in use today. He transitioned to the software and computer industries in the 1980's, working for Computervision, Prime Computer, and Digital Equipment Corporation, where he was instrumental in bringing CAD software and computers into automobile racing, working with some Indy car team greats such as Penske Racing, Newman-Haas Racing, Patrick Racing, and Rahal-Hogan Racing. In the 1990's, he founded an engineering firm, G-Force Technologies, focused on vehicle dynamics and driving simulation, which he ran until his retirement.
His love of learning, and as he put it, making sure he "did stuff" every day, didn't stop in retirement. As a board member of his homeowner's association, he determined a more efficient way of tracking finances was needed, so he taught himself HTML coding and Visual C++ programming, and then used the tools to develop an automated billing system. At another juncture, he set out to build out his unfinished basement by himself. Despite having the use of just one arm at the time due to shoulder surgery, he simply saw this as an engineering challenge, and fashioned tools/fixtures to complete the job.
In any spare moments he could be reliably found lugging phonebook-thick non-fiction books down to the place he loved, Coffins Beach, reading up on topics such as history, politics, and religion. His penchant for math often amused his grandchildren, solving whatever calculus questions they could conjure simply by glancing up at the ceiling for a few seconds.
John is survived by his wife Judy of 55 years, his children; Cathy Michalowicz of Cambridge MA, Joseph and daughter in-law Lisa Michalowicz of Kinnelon NJ, grandchildren; Andrew and Heidi, and his brothers and sisters; Joseph and wife Georgia Michalowicz, Jeanne and husband Jim Dabney, Joanie Michalowicz, and Jim and wife Marijane Michalowicz. He is predeceased by his daughter, Louisa Michalowicz.
Visiting hours will be on Friday, January 13th, 2023, from 10:00-11:00 am in St. Ann's Church, 74 Pleasant Street, Gloucester, MA. Following the visiting hour, a mass, celebrating his life, will be held at 11 am. Friends and family are welcome. His burial will be held on a later date.
In honor of his generous spirit and unwavering commitment to help others in need, in lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Arrangements are made by the Greely Funeral Home, 212 Washington St. Gloucester.
