John N. Fitchuk, age 76, a resident of Windsor Park, Carol Stream, Illinois passed away on September 22, 2023. He was born on August 14, 1947 in Salem, Massachusetts.

John was a husband, father, grandfather and a respected and revered musician and teacher. Graduated from Wheaton College in 1970, he taught in several school districts, the longest tenure up to retirement was in Wheaton School District 200. He was Orchestra Director for both Wheaton North and Wheaton-Warrenville South High Schools (where he was also noted for the chaotic condition of his desks). His students often quoted some of his pithy statements, for example,  "playing a wrong note is like driving your car off a bridge" and "I can do what I want, I have the beard".

After retirement in 2005, he continued active as interim teacher/director in various schools and churches including Glen Ellyn, Wheaton, and Benedictine University. Throughout his career and retirement, he was active in the Illinois Music Educators Association and the Illinois Grade School Association as an alternate conductor, organizational chair, judge and clinician. He was active as a member of various orchestras over the years including, Chicago Civic, Hinsdale Chamber, Dubuque Symphony, and Fox Valley. Equally comfortable with choral music John directed choirs at several Wheaton churches including Faith Covenant Church and mostly recently the Singing Men of Oak Brook and the Windsor Chorale.

A man of faith John was always active in his local church, sometimes as trustee, musician, or choir director.

John was a man of quiet strength and warmth, deep conviction, generosity and humor. He consistently demonstrated utmost respect toward others even in his last difficult months. He was tremendously proud of his wife and sons and had great affection and regard for friends, his colleagues and students. He will be missed!

John is survived by his wife of 43 years, Janet,  sons  Ian Fitchuk and Kevin Fitchuk, grandchildren Lucy Fitchuk and Monroe Fitchuk, eight nieces and nephews, brothers-in-law Alan Macmillan and Harold Stinehelfer and sister-in-law Connie MacMillan.

Memorial Gifts may be directed to: Credo Music, 75 East College St.  Oberlin, Ohio 44074 or Benevolent Fund at Windsor Park