John Lewandowski, Jr.

With deep sadness, we announce the passing of John “Mike” William Lewandowski Jr., 59, of Corona, CA, who passed away after a sudden and brief illness, on July 25, 2025 surrounded by family and friends.

Born in Warrensville Heights, Ohio, on July 5, 1966, to Judith (Houchins) and John Lewandowski Sr, the family then moved to Germany for the next few years before settling down in Ohio. This instilled a wanderlust in Mike that would last throughout his lifetime. Moving to Tucson, Arizona in 1977, was another move that impacted him greatly. His 6th grade year would prove pivotal. He loved his new teacher so-much-so that Mike later became a 6th grade teacher himself! Mike attended Arizona State University, and graduated from Northern Arizona University with a degree in Elementary Education and a minor in history. He also studied for his Masters degree in Educational Leadership. Mike first taught in Phoenix for two years. After moving to California in 2000, he spent the next 25 years as a respected 6th grade teacher and was known for his dedication to his students and their families.

Mike loved teaching. In his own words, ‘Teaching is my life!” and he meant it! Bonding with students, families and colleagues over the years brought him a wonderful sense of community. The life he built in California was amazing, and his friends became his family. He prospered by guiding young people with love and compassion! His students were his children, and their families were his families, as evidenced by the continued communication and connections after students had left his class! He loved corny jokes, plays on words, and quoting movies and songs! He was an amazing educator and friend to all. Mike also enjoyed music, sports, travelling, reading, history and cartography. He was a human map, and could get anybody to any destination from memory; with alternate routes! Mike traveled throughout the world, and loved Australia the most! His time travelling with friends were some of his most cherished memories. Mike had a love of all things Cleveland; especially his beloved Browns, Cavs, and Guardians. He also loved the AZ State Sundevils; Fork ‘Em Devils!

Each year Mike and his father, John, would travel the United States for weeks, and managed to visit all 50 states! They both enjoyed the planning and preparations for their trips, and spent many hours pouring over new sites and routes. On what would be their final trip, they travelled through Canada as well, making their way through the Provinces. The time they spent together was the high point of their years. Bonding on the open road was their happy place!

Mike’s friends and family were very important to him. He built loving and long-lasting relationships. He talked about his friendships when he was with his family, and about family when he was with his friends. He loved spending time with his family, including his nephews, nieces, and great-nieces. His cousins were like his siblings, and he loved them beyond compare. Whether it was joking, laughing, or verbally sparring, Mike loved to ask questions and discuss perspectives on any topic. To say Mike was an expert in film and song would be an understatement! As with cartography, Mike knew almost any song and movie; including the production and backstory; information he would readily share with you! He was a loyal friend and a kind man, with an adventurous soul who will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his parents, Judith & John Lewandowski; his sisters, Regina and Jenifer (Scott Ward) Lewandowski;his nephews, Kevin (Harley Galaz) & Noah Lewandowski-Miller, Zane Lewandowski-King, and Jayce Miller; his nieces, Harley Galaz and Haley Ward; great-nieces, Ajla and Azalea Lewandowski-Galaz; as well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins. He is also survived by his Harada family, his best friend, Gina Sanchez-Keller, and the entire sixth-grade and C-track teams. To honor his legacy is to live a life of kindness, loyalty, service, and dedication to yourself and to others.

A memorial service will be held at the Corona Public Library Community Room on August 12, 2025, at 5:30pm in Corona, California.

A memorial service will be held at the Marana Mortuary and Cemetery on September 12, 2025 at 1:30 pm in Marana, Arizona.