Obituary of John Stephen Szobota

John Stephen Szobota, age 78, of Morris Plains, NJ passed away peacefully in his home on Saturday November 18, 2023. Born in Bridgeport, Connecticut on November 8, 1945, he was the son of the late Veronica (Lovas) and John Szobota.

John was a dedicated and passionate chemist who completed PhD studies at UMASS, Amherst and Post-Doctoral Fellowship University of Texas Austin. He specialized in analytical techniques many of which were patented through his work at ExxonMobil, from where he retired in 2012. Prior to his industry work, John was a professor of Chemistry at the University of Puerto Rico in Rio Piedras. He mentored many undergraduate and graduate students in his lab.

John was loving husband and partner, father and grandfather, and true friend to many. He loved fishing, golf, travel, star gazing, science fiction, music, chocolates, a good scotch, and the beaches of Sanibel. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Survivors include his wife Lola (Mencarelli) Szobota, daughter Jennifer Szobota of Easton, PA, daughter Melissa (Szobota) Muszala and husband Stefan of Boulder, CO, son Jason Szobota and wife Karen of Henrico, VA, and beloved grandchildren Nathan Szobota, Eve Marie Muszala, and Ryan Szobota. He is survived by his brother Stephen Szobota, Heidi Szobota, and brother-in-law Robert Mencarelli and wife Cynthia. Additionally, nieces and nephews Nicholas Szobota, Erik Szobota wife Melissa, Daniel and David Mencarelli, and Joanne Conforte and husband Peter. He is also survived by loving cousins Gail and Carl Melkus, Suzanne and Eric D’Eramo, Michael and Christine D’Eramo, Stephanie Szobota, and special nieces and nephew Stephanie, Jillian, Caitlin, Lauren and Ian.

Family and friends are welcome to gather on Sunday November 26, 2023, from 3 to 6 p.m. at Dangler Funeral Home 600 Speedwell Avenue, Morris Plains, NJ 07950. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Monday, November 27 at 10 AM at Notre Dame of Mount Carmel Church, 75 Ridgedale Avenue, Cedar Knolls, NJ 07927 . Interment will be held privately for immediate family.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the American Lung Association (www.lung.org).