John William Larson

John William Larson, 91, of Maple Glen, PA, passed away on August 10, 2023.

John was born in Queens, New York, to Margaret Signe (Ekroos) Larson and John Birger Larson, on December 6, 1931.

John graduated as valedictorian from Shrub Oak Central School, New York, in 1949.  He won awards in Geometry, Trigonometry, Physics, and Senior Science, while lettering in baseball and basketball.  He was a member of Boy Scout Troop 38, earning the rank of Eagle Scout in 1946, and then becoming a Sea Scout, Ship #99.

John graduated at the top of his class from the Webb Institute of Naval Architecture, Glen Cove, Long Island, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering in 1953.  He went on to earn a Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Michigan in 1955, and an MBA from Virgina Tech in the 1970’s.  John worked as a mechanical engineer for Pratt and Whitney Aircraft, General Electric, and several other companies, retiring from the Department of Energy, Washington, DC.  His career focused on design of the initial space probe to Mars, tracked air cushion vehicles technologies, fossil fuels research and energy conservation technologies.  He holds several patents in his field.

John married Cynthia Preftakis, in Port Washington, Long Island, New York, on May 2, 1954.  Together they raised three children, while living in Glastonbury, CT, Phoenixville, PA, La Jolla, CA, Orchard Park, NY, San Jose, CA, Arlington, VA, Sturbridge, MA, Columbia, MD, Ft. Washington, PA, and finally Maple Glen, PA.

John was an active member of his community, serving as President of the Upper Dublin Kiwanis Club in the 1990’s and as Judge of Elections for Upper Dublin Township for a number of years.  He served as Deacon and Elder in the Presbyterian Church.  His favorite hobbies were woodworking and model trains.

John is survived by his wife of 69 years, Cynthia, three children, five grandchildren, and three greatgrandchildren.

The Larson family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to the staff at Artman Lutheran Home, for their respectful and compassionate care.

Services in John’s memory will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Ambler, at 11:00 am on Saturday, August 26, with visitation beginning at 10:00 am.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in John’s memory to the First Presbyterian Church Memorial Fund, FPC Ambler, 4 Ridge Avenue, Ambler, PA  19002.

Arrangements are by Shaeff-Myers Funeral Home.