Mr. John George Gick Jr.

John Gick, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend passed away peacefully on April 29, 2025 at the age of 81. John was the devoted husband of 58 years to Patricia Gick, whom he referred to as his lovely wife. Together, they raised a family that includes their children: Teresa Shafer and her husband Steve, Brenda Stewart and her husband Bob, Brian Gick and his wife Kirsten, and Holly Rettig and her husband Nate. John was the proud grandfather of Hannah, Bethany, Noah, Elijah, Adam, Isabella, Jessie, Savannah, Nathan, and Braelyn, who will miss him greatly. John is also survived by his siblings, Barbara Hansson, Donald Gick, Carol Maston, and Betty Vandeputte, who will remember him as a loving brother. Additionally, John is survived by numerous nieces and nephews. John was a member of Saint Louis Catholic Church in Clarksville, Maryland for 58 years and prayed the Rosary every day. He was a founding member of the Statewide Sportsmen Club (established in 1969) in Fulton, MD and was a participating member his entire life. He took great pride in the United States and showed his patriotism by flying the flag in the front yard. A passionate fan of baseball, he could often be found cheering for his favorite team, the Baltimore Orioles. John was born on November 23, 1943. His early years were spent in Catonsville, where he could often be found on the community baseball field, and when he was 12, he began working on small engines. He was a hard-working teen with several jobs (Carvel ice cream server, a mason and carpenter assistant, and a Pepsi Cola driver). At the age of 19, he began to serve in the Army National Guard of Maryland and did so for 12 years at the Nike Hercules missile site in Granite, MD. In 1975, he began working for the National Security Agency where he worked for 26 years. He retired in 2001 with 38 years of government service. During retirement, John and Pat spent time traveling to numerous national parks and enjoyed many days with their grandchildren. They cared for and supported the grandkids in any endeavor. John was often the loudest cheerleader in the crowd. He enjoyed every day whether it was working on cars, gardening, watching the birds, mowing grass, bailing hay, or tending to the cows and chickens. He was “Mr. Fix It” — repairing and building anything. John lived a life filled with love, laughter, and the joy of everyday moments. His doctors referred to him as their miracle patient, and even when faced with adversity, complications, and difficulties, he found strength to defy the odds. He always had hope and faith and wanted to live life as fully as he could each day. An avid gardener, mechanic, builder, and nature lover, John found joy in the simple pleasures of life. His love of nature was evident in his farming, bird watching, and gardening. He enjoyed teaching others and encouraged them to try their best. As a baseball and softball coach, he instilled the values of teamwork and perseverance to build confidence in young athletes. He took pride in their skill development and achievements while reminding them as a fierce competitor, “It’s no fun to lose.” John was loving, faith-filled, and hard-working and left an indelible mark on all who had the pleasure of knowing him. He was a Good Samaritan, always willing to drop everything and help anyone in need. His friends and family often described John as a mentor, a role model, and father or grandfather figure—a man who extended kindness and compassion to all, often befriending those who had no other family or support. His work ethic was unrivaled by most; he always gave 100 percent and expected that in return. These attributes were the cornerstone upon which he built his relationships and the legacy he left behind. John’s life was one of purpose and service. His guidance and unwavering support were the foundations upon which his family grew. John’s life reminds us that the richest treasures are found in the relationships we nurture and the love we share. He protected and cherished his wife, children, and grandchildren —fiercely, faithfully — until his very last breath. In lieu of flowers, tribute gift donations can be made to the National Park Foundation (https://www.nationalparks.org) or memorial gifts can be made to The Johns Hopkins Heart and Vascular Institute (https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/heart-vascular-institute/about-us/charitable-giving/memorial-gift). A memorial mass will be held at 9 am on Monday, May 26, 2025, at The Shrine of St. Anthony, 12290 Folly Quarter Road, Ellicott City, MD 21042. Inurnment to follow at St. Louis Cemetery, Clarksville. A celebration of life reception will follow the inurnment from 11am to 3 pm at the Ten Oaks Ballroom, 5000 Signal Bell Lane, Clarksville, MD

Mr. John George Gick Jr.

November 23, 1943 - April 29, 2025