John Thomas Antoun
March 27, 1943-March 8, 2026
Palo Alto, California

John Thomas Antoun was born in Erie, Pennsylvania, to Majid John and Marion Mitchell Antoun, the second of their six children. He was a 1961 graduate of Cathedral Prep and a 1965 graduate of The University of Notre Dame, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics. After graduation from Notre Dame he was commissioned a Lieutenant in the Navy, serving four years as a faculty member in the Rickover Nuclear Power Program in California. Following his service in the Navy, he pursued graduate studies in mathematics at the University of California at Berkeley, which led to a long career in space science and engineering. He worked for most of his career at TRW, Inc., where he focused on satellite and intelligence systems. His work supported both civilian NASA missions and governmental defense satellite programs. After retiring from full time work, John consulted with NASA for several years. With Kaaren, his wife of 53 years, John was a supporter of the arts, including The Palo Alto Arts Center and Gamble Gardens. He also supported numerous charitable enterprises. He traveled the world with Kaaren and with friends, and was always enthusiastic about spending time with his large and loving family and with the many friends he made wherever he went. His family and friends knew him as a kind, generous and joyful person. John was preceded in death by his parents and by his beloved wife, and also by his dear sister Lisa Antoun. He is survived by his sisters Louise Humenay (Gene) and Mary Antoun; and by brothers Jim Antoun (Jamie) and Joe Antoun. He is also survived by his aunt and godmother Dawn Levin; by nephews Tom Fruscello (Noreen), Christopher Antoun and Matt Antoun; by nieces Kate Falchook (Jason), Claire Fruscello, Alice Laubach (Mike) and Natalie Hyman (Jon); by several grand nieces and nephews; and by many cousins. Arrangements will be private.