It is with a heavy heart that we announce the loss of John “Owen” Muchisky, 79. He passed away December 27, 2020 in his Bardsdale, Calif. home of 34 years.
Owen was born in Lansing, Mich. and moved to Corona, Calif.when he was fouryearsold. After graduatinghigh school and being a barber for three years,he enlisted in the Navy and served on the USS Lexington (CV-2)& USS Ticonderoga(CV-14) from 1961 - 1964. He then received a bachelor’s degree in special educationand historyfrom California State University, San Bernardino. Owen began his teaching career in Moreno Valley, where he was part of the Teachers Union and served as president for a time. He coordinated strikes in support of fair wages, healthcare, and better standards for their students.
Owen continued his profession in special education when he moved to Fillmore in 1979, and later became one of the first teachers at Fillmore Community High (Continuation) School. He mentored some of the most challenging and underestimated students and taught them that education is an asset. Owen also coached softball for the continuation school and was a coach for Fillmore High School’sjunior varsityfootball and junior varsity baseballteams. He won many league titles and was assistant coach for the 1988 California Interscholastic Federation (CIF)championship team.
He was full of wanderlust and traveled to 33 of the 50 states. He visited several national parks, monuments and museums. In 1976,his wife and cousin traveled on their motorcycles through the Thirteen Colonies. After retirement, Owen and his wife were joined by their grandchildren in the summertime and would travel across state lines in a recreational vehicle (RV).
Owen is survived by his wife Alicia “Birdie” Muchisky; Daughters Cheryl(Rinaldo) De Menezes and Deana Martinez; and five grandchildren: Lauren De Menezes, Jeremy Martinez, Nicholas De Menezes, Kylie Martinez andDaniel De Menezes.
Owen is reunited with his parents Mack and Ethel Muchisky, his son-in-law Ruben Martinez,and many beloved family members.
A celebration of his life is postponed due to the Coronavirus. An announcement will be made by the family when a date is confirmed.