John F. Kabaniec

John F. Kabaniec of Bradenton, FL, passed away peacefully at home on July 10, 2025. Born in Montague, MA, on May 22, 1938, John was the son of the late John F. Kabaniec Sr. and Rose (Brostek) Kabaniec. He graduated from Turners Falls High School in 1956. After serving in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1957 to 1959, John was accepted into General Electric’s Apprentice Engineering Program, affiliated with the University of Massachusetts. Upon graduating in 1963, he joined the Millers Falls Company (a division of Ingersoll-Rand) as a tool designer and was later promoted to Chief Tool Designer in 1965. In 1967, he became Chief Engineer at the DuMont Company in Greenfield, MA, where he worked for 36 years until his retirement in 2003. 

John was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hiking, Class IV kayaking, long-distance bicycling, and skeet shooting. He also held a black belt in karate.

 John is survived by his wife, the former Linda Porter. He also leaves his former wife, Sherry Rice, with whom he shared three daughters: Deborah Moore of Arundel, ME; Lisa Denison and husband Lee of Colrain, MA; and Karen Perry and husband Charles of Monument Beach, MA. In addition, he is survived by his son, Curtis (Chip) Dean, and wife Becky of Atascadero, CA.

 He leaves three grandchildren—Scott Denison, Megan Denison, and Samuel Perry—and three great-grandchildren. He is also survived and dearly missed by his sister Paula of Bunnell, FL. He was predeceased by his sister Connie Melnik of New Smyrna Beach, FL. 

John also leaves behind his nephew Devin Melnik, niece Vanessa Hayward, and stepchildren Michael Porter, Jay Porter, Michelle Zayatz, Joseph Porter, and Rob Porter. He was predeceased by his stepson, Christopher Porter. 

There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association. A private Celebration of Life will be held at a later date, with burial at the convenience of the family.