John Hammack Meszaros

A LIFE WELL~LIVED AND GREATLY MISSED John Hammack Meszaros has gone to his Heavenly home, departing this world on July 5, 2025, at the age of 77. He was born on November 17,1947 in Pasadena, Texas, a suburb of Houston. Early childhood years were spent in Dormont, Pa., before the family moved to the Cleveland area, where John grew up and later graduated from college. John was preceded in death by his dear parents, John F. and Marjorie E. Meszaros and the love of his life and wife of 46 years, Betsy Lee Smith. He is survived by three sisters and a brother: Mary Weston (Don), Richard Meszaros (Mary), Marjorie Hanna (Kevin), and Janet Meszaros. He also leaves behind many cousins, nieces, and nephews across the country and around the world — in Arkansas, California, Colorado, Dubai, Florida, Indiana, New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania. John was so smart, even as a little child. At the age of four, thanks to time spent with Grandpa Hammack, lil Johnny could point out and name all the parts under the hood of a car! He was a builder and a creative spirit from the start, famously constructing a go-cart called the “Dipsy Doodle,” which he painted red with yellow lettering. He and best friend Gregg Hagley had a ball riding in it down Hansford Road. Throughout his life, John remained a creative soul. He painted model birds, designed whimsical sweatshirts and was a talented portrait artist. As a teen he built and ran his own radio station; and as a DJ, spinning the latest hits. He had a knack for electronics and was always working on something inventive. John attended Case Tech in Cleveland in the late 60’s and early 70’s — a prestigious engineering school that would later become Case Western Reserve University. He loved working with early computer systems, exploring the possibilities of programming at the dawn of the Information Age. After graduation, he began his career with Univac, eventually becoming Manager of Worldwide Software for what later became Unisys. During the Vietnam War, John’s draft number came up, and he completed six weeks of boot camp. Recognizing his intelligence, the military stationed him at West Point, where he was privileged to teach. It was there that he met the love of his life, Betsy Lee Smith, the woman who would become his wife. They were married on April Fool’s Day in 1978 in Georgetown VA, and built a joyful life together in Oreland, Pennsylvania. Their life was filled with many activities and interests. They shared many passions, including cooking, and even had one of their own recipes featured in a published collection. Their life together was rich in love, creativity, and companionship. A viewing will be held at Claytor Rollins Funeral Home, 836 Poquoson Ave., Poquoson, Virginia, on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. John’s life will be celebrated at a graveside service on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Smith Family Cemetery on Brickhouse Road. He touched many lives. John’s life and legacy will be remembered by all who knew him.

Arrangements and heartfelt guidance through Claytor Rollins Funeral Home.

Online condolences to claytorrollins.com.

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