John Danko Jr

October 20, 1942 - March 23, 2020

John Danko, 77, of Mint Hill, died unexpectedly at his home on Monday, March 23, 2020. John was born in Bayonne, NJ, on October 20, 1942, one of three children born to John and Mary Balaz Danko. He grew up there, graduating from Bound Brook High School in 1960. He answered his country’s call to service and enlisted in the US Army upon which he was honorably discharged. John worked as a Mechanical Engineer after studying at Newark College of Engineering, now known as New Jersey Institute of Technology. One night while out bowling, he noticed a beautiful young waitress and said “that’s the girl I’m going to marry,” and he did. On July 8, 1972, he and Ms. Connie Bryan were married in North Branch, New Jersey. They went on to own and operate a printing business, Printing Place of Easton, and then the Type House of Easton. In 1991, they moved to Charlotte. John enjoyed many things in life, he enjoyed shooting pool, playing horseshoes, bowling, pinochle, Chess, Tai Chi and woodworking. Most of all, he enjoyed being around people and spending time with his family, including his church family at St. John Neumann Catholic Church and his friends at the Levine Senior Center. His incredible wit, laughter and dry humor will be fondly remembered and missed by all who knew him. John is survived by his wife, Connie, of Mint Hill; two daughters: Carol Danko of Washington, DC, and Kristin (partner Aaron Dean) Danko of Ypsilanti, MI; Connie’s cousin, Heather Jorgenson who he loved like his own daughter; and his younger sister, Eileen (husband Jim) Smith. John is further survived by numerous other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and his older sister, Pauline London. John’s family has given the family of Lowe-Neddo Funeral Home the privilege of caring for him and for them. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 AM on Tuesday, March 31, 2020, at St John Neuman Catholic Church, 8451 Idlewild Road, Charlotte, NC 28227. Inurnment will take place at a later date at the Salisbury National Cemetery.