John Kisich, 62 originally of Everett, passed away peacefully on March 11, 2026 after a year-long battle with melanoma

John was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Ruth and John W. Kisich. He is survived by his sisters Sheila Kisich, Maureen Goshtigian, and Kathleen Kisich; his nieces and nephew Gabriella (Rose) Callagy and her husband Andrew Callagy, Justin (Spinach Chin) Goshtigian and his girlfriend Hailee (Hazel) Waugh, and Brooke (Squeeze Box) Goshtigian and her boyfriend Connor (Collin) Breen; his beloved great-nephew and niece Hugh (Roscoe) and Lennon (Tokyo Rose) Callagy; his longtime companion Cheryl Ludwig (Mrs. Robinson), and countless cousins, aunts, uncles and friends who will miss him deeply.

John was a true and proud product of 1970s Boston. Even as the world changed around him, he held tight to the things he loved — three-piece suits, Lincoln Town Cars, old-time movies, and a deep nostalgia for that era that he was always eager to share with the younger generation in his life. He had a particular appreciation for history and collected memorabilia from the golden age of film, including pieces inspired by Laurel & Hardy, Jimmy Cagney, and other icons of the past.

Anyone who knew John knew that humor was at the center of his personality. A natural jokester with a quick wit, he loved making people laugh. Whether he was tending bar, teasing family members, or performing stand-up comedy under his stage name "Hot Gus," John always kept people on their toes. He had a special talent for giving friends and family nicknames or just pretending to forget the names of his nieces and nephews partners. If John dubbed you with a nickname, it meant you were someone he truly cared about.

Behind the jokes was a deeply loyal and generous man. John showed love not through long speeches or mushy sentiments, but through thoughtful acts.  He loved to prepare meals and deliver them to his family. Each fall he made Uncle John's famous homemade apple cider (primary ingredients being bugs and sticks) to share with friends and relatives. Holidays were especially important to him — he proudly prepared the Thanksgiving turkey and Christmas roast, along with his famous prosciutto-wrapped scallops and apple strudel. Even during his illness this past year, he insisted on keeping those traditions alive.

John believed family should gather for more than just weddings and funerals. For many years he organized and hosted the annual Ruth Kisich Christmas Party, dressing as Santa Claus and bringing gifts for the children.

He lived life with laughter, loyalty, and generosity, and he appreciated the people who could give his jokes right back to him. Those who knew him will remember his quick humor, his larger-than-life personality, the occasional gifts that "fell off the back of a truck" (with instructions not to ask questions), and the many ways he showed up for the people he loved.

John will be deeply missed but fondly remembered for the laughter he brought into so many lives.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend visiting hours at the JF Ward Funeral Home, 772 Broadway, Everett, on Sunday, March 15th from 12 pm to 4 pm.  His funeral will be held from the funeral home on Monday, March 16th at 10 am, followed by a Funeral Mass in Immaculate Conception Church, 487 Broadway, Everett, at 11 am.

John's niece Gabriella Callagy will be running the Boston Marathon in support of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, where John received treatment. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John's memory through her fundraising page:

https://danafarber.jimmyfund.org/site/TR?pg=personal&px=2456480