John Anthony Konecny

Konecny, John Anthony, following a courageous struggle, passed away on October 3, 2025 at the age of 82. 

John was born in Montreal, Quebec.  At the age of six, his family moved to their farm in Northfield Station.  Those years were filed with the youthful activities of country living. Along with friends, John rode his bike everywhere, swam in quarries and creeks, and skated on frozen ponds in winter.  He was also expected to help with many farm chores.   

During his teenage years, John attended Ingleside High School located in a village formed by the St. Lawrence Seaway Project.  A momentous event that shaped the community!  As part of his father’s contract, John spent part of his summers mowing the beautiful Long Sault Parkway along the St. Lawrence River.   

After attending Kemptville Agricultural School and a short return to the family farms, John decided to pursue a different path.  Through workshops and courses such as Dale Carnegie along with personal hard work, integrity and ability to forge lasting connections, John enjoyed a lifetime in sales.  Particularly rewarding were his associations with the Stauffer Group of people and those with Quality Seeds. He valued his relationships with his customers, many of whom he considered friends.     

For 52 years, John was a beloved husband to Marilyn (Howie).  They first met at a Young People’s Group in St. Mark’s United Church, Lunenburg, Ontario.  In July 1973, having reunited while living in Ottawa, Ontario, John and Marilyn retuned to St. Mark’s Church to be married. 

John was a cherished brother-in-law to Sharon and Stephen Grant, and a devoted and loving uncle to Robert Grant (Thi) and their young daughters, Elizabeth and Amelia. He was also uncle to his American family, Scott (Julie) Aho, their children, Elizabeth, Jack and Matthew, Megan Statezny and her children Stephanie (Clay) Montgomery, Alex (Ethan James) Chonos and their daughter Hallie. In John’s Czechoslovakian family, he was cousin to Jerry(Marie) Grabec, their sons Jerry Jr., and Paul (Catherine) Grabec, and their daughters Agnes and Josephine.   

John was predeceased by his beloved son Jonathan, parents John and Suzanna (Tallo) Konecny, his sister and brother-in-law, Bess (Konecny) and Les Aho, his nephew, Christopher Aho. 

Whether through home projects, get-togethers, travels, community work such as Kinsmen, canvassing for cancer, or simply his love of skiing, John embraced life with kindness, generosity and a keen sense of fun.  Throughout fifty-one years, John loved the opportunities his country home afforded him.  He enjoyed recounting his experiences raising chickens and growing raspberries for sale, but what was especially dear to his heart were the many opportunities - whatever the occasion- to host family and friends. Just as he showed love and appreciation for so many in his life, John will be dearly missed by those who have been fortunate to have known him! 

Friends and family are welcome to a Memorial Reception at Highland Park Funeral Centre on November 1st from 2PM to 4PM.  There will be an opportunity for those who wish to speak or to have written words read. 

In memory of John, donations may be made to the Diabetic Organization or to the Palliative Care Unit of the NHH.