John Chrzanowski

John M. Chrzanowski “DJ John Chrzanowski”, 72, of Erie. Passed away on May 3, 2024, at UPMC Hamot. Born to the late John and Irene Chrzanowski on August 12, 1951, in Erie, John attended Tech Memorial High school where he graduated from in 1969.

In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his sister, Elizabeth Jackson and his nephew, Brian Jackson.  

After high school, John enlisted in the Army in 1973. He would serve 2 years in Washington at Fort Lewis followed by a 2-year station in Germany. Upon his return home, John attended Mercyhurst University, graduating in 1986.  John began what would become his life’s work as DJ John Professional Mobile Disc Jockey, starting his own business as one of the area’s first DJ’s. He was a pioneer in the industry, creating a path for many to follow, performing over 2000+ weddings, hosting his own NYE party, Belle Valley Dances, and countless other gigs/functions over the course of 40 years as his primary profession.  DJ John was known as The #1 Fun 1.

John would later rejoin the military through the Army National Guard which would include an activation response duty for Hurricane Katrina and a deployment for Operation Iraqi Freedom. He would retire as a combat Veteran with 27 years total service.

John was man of many passions and hobbies. Foremost, he loved hunting and fishing. John was the first person to ever start a chapter of Ducks Unlimited in a combat zone. He would continue to run an annual fundraiser through a golf outing for its Taji Iraq Chapter each year. He raised countless funds through various fundraising for wetland conservation making it one of his greatest accomplishments. He enjoyed fishing for perch and walleye on Lake Erie. In the softball community he pitched in his 20’s into his early 60’s competitively, playing and coaching on many championship teams, and was the commissioner of the Erie Men’s Modified league. He loved golf, bowling, cooking, and vacations to the U.P of Michigan and Arkansas. John was a true leader and a first to volunteer. He will be greatly missed in many areas of the community.

Most importantly, John was a loving husband to his wife Jan of 38 years, devoted father to his only son Johnny and his many waterfowl dogs and Siamese cats throughout his lifetime.

John leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Jan Chrzanowski, one son, John “Johnny” Chrzanowski, one sister, Kathleen Conover and one brother, Christopher Chrzanowski, Brother-in-law, William Jackson and several nieces and nephews.

We would like to give our sincerest gratitude to the TNICU team at Hamot Hospital for their overwhelming compassion and care in his final days.

Relatives and Friends are invited to Davis – Garr Cremation and Funeral Services, Inc 459 East 12th Street, Erie, Pennsylvania 16503 on Saturday, May 11, 2024, from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM and Sunday, May 12, 2024, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Peter Cathedral, 230 West 10th Street, Erie, Pennsylvania 16501 on Monday, May 13, 2024, at 10:00 AM.  Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family at  https://everloved.com/life-of/john-chrzanowski/ or the Wounded Warrior Project. Online condolences may be sent to Davisgarrfuneralhome.com.

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