John Robert Simanek of Cudjoe Key, Fl passed away on Thursday July 9, 2026 after a brief illness. Born on December 28, 1947, John grew up in Fair Lawn NJ. Guided by his grandfather who farmed, John from an early age had a natural talent or what others would call a green thumb when it came to plants. One of his earliest jobs was selling vegetables and fruit at a local farm stand. It was a natural extension of his love of gardening. His encyclopedic plant knowledge and technical prowess eventually led to his being acknowledged by his peers as a Master Gardener. Attending Montclair State College, John attained both his BA’s in Arts Education and English and also eventually attained a MA in Computer Sciences. After graduation John was employed by the Oakland NJ School District from where he eventually retired. During his tenure there he was called to serve in the USN during the Vietnam War. This hiatus from his teaching career had him stationed in Spain in the Intelligence Service. Upon his return to teaching he became the NJEA Union Representative for his school. Again his passion for his work led him to be one of the early founders of the Paul Demitriotis fund for teachers in distress. As an artist, John primarily concentrated in ceramics, which was a natural extension of his love of working with earth. His work was shown in many shows and exhibits. This passion again led him to open with fellow artists the Apex Art Gallery in what was then the beginning of the Asbury Park NJ revitalization effort. The gallery became well known for its Friday night exhibits and open house and was easily one of the places to see and be seen at the time. John was an avid skier, skiing slopes in Alaska, British Columbia, Wyoming and Vermont. He enjoyed tennis and working out at the gym, always remaining active while doing house repairs or gardening in his extensive gardens. Traveling, Theatre, Dance, Museum and Gallery viewings were but a few of the many pursuits that brought him great pleasure. A man with a huge heart, John cared greatly about his fellow men, animals and the environment, always contributing generously to many causes and looking for nothing in return. He was a large contributor to the MARC house of Key West, Mt. Sinai Cancer Research and the individuals on the street who needed a helping hand. His largesse was known and sometimes taken advantage of, but it did not deter him from trying to do the right thing. Predeceased by his parents, Eugene and Margaret Simanek and his sister Marguerite, John is survived by his soulmate and loving partner, G. Kevin Cunningham, his son, John David Simanek, his granddaughter Maya Simanek, his brother Eugene Joseph Simanek, his long time friend Larry Smith Ledford and several extended family members. Arrangements are private however any contributions in his name to a charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated. His loss leaves us inconsolable; however his memory will always be in the hearts and minds of all who knew and loved him.