John Maggitti, Ph. D.

     John Maggitti, Ph. D., of Sturgeon Bay, passed away Saturday evening, April 8, 2023 in the comfort of his home, after a short struggle with brain cancer at the age of 63.

     He will be missed by his beloved Elizabeth “Liz” Welter; sons, Andrew Bates of Burlington and Michael Maggitti of Green Bay; and brother and sister-in-law, Paul (Nancy Gertner) Maggitti of St. Louis Park, Mn, who also were dear to him. John is also survived by his sister, Anita Schreibman of Baltimore, Md.

     He was born in Baltimore, Md., December 2, 1959, the youngest of three children of the late Vincent Tony Maggitti and Ann (Bearman) Maggitti.

     Because of the grace of the Fenwick brothers, founders of Barry Research, John was able to obtain a level of education and professional acumen beyond his dreams and always felt a strong affinity for the incredible opportunity this provided him. He often said it was impossible to exaggerate the way these men enhanced his and his family's life.

     John’s professional career as a high-energy physicist included working on defense and national security assignments with occasional years in the private sector. Barry Research was a contractor at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory operating under the United States Department of Energy. John was proud of the work he and his colleagues undertook at the lab.

     Following his professional career, John moved to Sturgeon Bay with Liz and supported her dream of opening a bookstore, Novel Bay Booksellers, in 2018 in the heart of the downtown. John enjoyed sharing his love for literature and wide depth of knowledge in many subjects.

     When he wasn’t in the bookstore, he was busy with HAM radio projects. John had been a licensed HAM radio operator for more than 30 years. His call sign was W3IRL. He also was a member of the Sturgeon Bay Breakfast Rotary Club and served on the board for Destination Sturgeon Bay.

     Liz was the love of John’s life and shepherded him through his difficult end days. Andrew's mother, Mary Bates, and Michael's mother, Carol Richter, were always dear to his heart.

     Before passing, John wanted all to know he loved you, was sorry for the wrongs he committed, was humbled to have earned your love and will deeply miss you.

     John and Liz are thankful for the support and love of family and many dear friends. Extraordinary comfort and medical care were provided for John by Dr. Britain O’Connor and Unity Hospice.

     Per John’s wishes, there will not be a service.

     He asked that any memorials in his name be directed to the Southern Poverty Law Center (400 Washington Avenue, Montgomery, AL 36104; https://www.splcenter.org).

     Huehns Funeral Home, Inc. & Door County Crematory LLC in Sturgeon Bay are assisting the family. Expressions of sympathy, memories, and photos of John may be shared with his family through his tribute page at www.huehnsfuneralhome.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John Maggitti, Ph. D., please visit our floral store.