December 07, 2013

First let me give my most heartfelt condolences to the Dianastasis family for their loss. I’m a little late to the game but I only saw a copy of the obituary in a letter I received Thursday.
No one gets out of this world alive, and over the course of our time here we read of the passing of many. Each day the local newspaper may have several dozen notices, and every so often there is someone we know or have known. Some are very short, and some are longer, with variable length of details about the deceased. The piece on Johnny D is one of the longer ones, and yet, it was way too short considering the hearts and lives this most wonderful man touched over the years.
I first met Johnny D in the Summer of 1960 as my family joined the inaugural season of the new Skyline swimming pool. Although we lived about 5 miles away in East Lampeter Township, my father had worked with the man who did the engineering design work on the pool and from that decided we should join. Right away I met Johnny as he stood at the entrance to make sure that he greeted everyone as they came in for the first time. And all of you who knew Johnny know exactly what I’m talking about. No one gave a better greeting than Johnny D. He made everyone feel like they were the most important person in the world to him. His smile, handshake and enthusiasm were extraordinary and unforgetable. And the thing was, it never changed! No matter how many times you would see him, it was still, “Hey, how are you doing Mr. (or Mrs.) _____! Glad to see you here.” And from the start you knew, there wasn’t a speck of phony in Johnny D. This was just the way he was.
The following year Johnny became my first employer, and I worked at Skyline Pool for the next four Summers. I started out working in maintenence for two years, and then as a lifeguard for the two after that. Maintenence started at 7:30 in the morning, which for me meant getting up just as early as for school days and leaving shortly after 7:00 AM to ride my old Sears 3-speed bike the 5 miles from home to the Pool. Bob Kadel mentioned in his post driving the 1947 Dodge pick-up at the age of 14, and I did that, too. We put the trash cans in the back and each day one of us would take our turn driving the truck way down to the back end of the property to dump the daily trash into a cinder block incinerator to be burned. When it came time to drive a stick shift on real roads when I turned 16, it was a piece of cake after having learned on that Dodge. The starting pay working at Skyline was on the low end even for teenagers in the early 60’s, but for someone who had only received a very small weekly allowance, those paychecks seemed like having discovered the mother lode. But it was the responsibility and teamwork lessons that were learned that were of far greater value. Johnny expected the work to be done a certain way, and you would be told about it, gently of course, if you didn’t quite get there. We didn’t know it at the time, but he was actually giving us a gift that we would carry with us for the rest of our lives.
I have many memories still vivid in my mind of my times at Skyline pool both as an employee and the friends I made hanging out when not working. However, the thing I remember most is the annual season ending employees party that was held at the pool the last Saturday evening before Labor Day. The days were getting shorter by then, so it was already deep twilight at the 8:00 PM start time. First we would have food, mostly hot dogs and burgers from the snack bar, and then there would be the annual “Treasure Hunt.” The hunt involved dividing the employees into three teams, and then getting a “clue” which had to be decoded by answering various questions which would lead to where to look for the next clue on the grounds in and around the pool, etc. (usually a series of about 5) until the last clue for each team was the same and led to the “treasure.” An almanac and a set of reference books were provided to use as help answering the questions to give you an idea of the things we had to know or find to solve the clues. Johnny D and his brother-in-law Mike would be on the teams along with all the rest of the younger employees. Johnny’s competitiveness has been mentioned by other posts here, and I will tell you it was the same with the Treasure Hunt. We all gathered around our team tables on the patio as we tried to decipher the clues, and you could always here Johnny’s voice here and there above the rest. Then all would take there flashlights and head off to look for their next clues and it was the same. You’d still hear his voice through the darkness asking his team members if they looked here or there, and other times yelling enthusiastically that he or a teammate had found a clue and to meet back at their table to begin the next deciphering process. The average finish time was around 11:00 and each member of the winning team would receive some small prize which I can no longer remember. But the prize was never as much a part as just the fun of gathering and being in the hunt. I started college in Fall 1964 and while I didn’t work at Skyline again after that, I still went there for recreation over the Summer, and after a few years Johnny needed someone else to actually devise the Treasure hunt and he asked me to do it. I did it a few years after college until maybe 1971. It may have been even more fun putting on the hunt and watching others play than it was being in it as an employee.
In 1970 I moved to Easton in the Lehigh Valley so I lost touch with Johnny and most of the people I knew back then in the Lancaster area. A few times my mother would include a newpaper clipping in one of her letters to me that had something about Johnny. I remember one was about his softball team, and another was about the success of his Real Estate business. Unfortunately, the last article was about his passing in early November. I’m sure he’s in heaven now, shaking the spiritual hand of everyone he meets and asking them how they’re doing as only Johnny D can.
Jim Swavely

December 02, 2013

Your tribute  to Johnny D. says it all. John was certainly a wonderful man. I’ve known John for many years and we spent many hours playing golf and tennis together. I recall one incident when we were playing golf as a two some We both hit off the tee and the golf balls landed close to one another,except my golf ball landed behind a tree We both got out of the golf cart and John hit his golf ball and looked ov er where I was hitting . John saw my golf ball coe flying out from behind the tree and landing on the fairway. John said to me ” Gus How did you do that? ” I said I used my foot club. We both burst out laughing and the foot club was a standing joke between us for a long time.John certainly had a sense of humor. I’m blessed to have crossed John’s path in my lifetime and I certainly am richer for that experince John’s memory will be eternal. May he rest in peace

November 19, 2013

To the Dianastasis Family,So sorry to learn of Johnny’s passing.  A lovely man who will be missed by all who knew him.  Thank you John for your warm smile and warmer personality.  From the early days at Brookside where he taught me to swim and helped my mother Genny Diller who ran Brookside Twin Pools, to his work with my father Paul Diller as they partnered in renovating and selling homes in the 50’s, to the more recent times when John was always available to give kind words of encouragement and real estate advice to me, he was always a sweet and wonderful man.  May you always have the wonderful memories of him to ease your sorrow.
Dan Diller and Dot Polito

November 18, 2013

Following a very difficult time over the last few weeks,,,it was more than a pleasant moment to read all of the memories and the people he affected in such a postive way. Although I married his daughter less than 28 years ago and coming form York, and having  missed his early impact on the community..I soon realized what a wonderful life he had enjoyed when we traveled together throughout Lancaster and we could not stop at any restaurant or public venue without somebody coming up to him that he knew or had known from the pool or his business. I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to be around such a respected individual and be part of his life. I will miss him as much as anyone, he was an outstanding grandfather to his grandchildren….and in a few circumstances when I needed the extra support to respond to the demands of growing teenagers knowing that their “respect” for him would acccomplish my goals of getting a reaffirmation of my NO…he always accepted that task with love and firmness.  They would never want to dissapoint him. He never missed a game or an event for them. And among all of the other reasons I will miss him…he was my favorite golfing partner. It is obvious that he will be missed in so many ways by so many people.        His son-in-law.

November 18, 2013

What a role model for kids growing up in Lancaster in the 1960’s and 1970’s!  My family moved into a home within a short bike ride from Skyline right before it was built in 1960.  As charter members we enjoyed our summers at Skyline and our many encounters with Johnny D. and his family.  He was a great man who showed incredible patience and kindness with disruptive behavior from kids like me. He kept a smile on his face and was able to connect with everybody.  I remember some of those family/friend picnics at Skyline that went late into the evening.  Johnny D. did not want to force us out at closing so he gave the Skyline keys to us to lock the pool on the way out the door.  What memories I have of my daily summer visits to Skyline.   I remember Johnny D. gathering all the kids in the shallow end of the pool late afternoons and he would bring a cup full of change to throw into the pool.   I think he started with pennies in 1960 and slowly worked his way up to quarters before selling Skyline in 1978.  I remember my many trips to the snack bar to order food but having no money to purchase.  The announcer in the office had to page my mom to come to the snack bar to pay the bill.  Johnny D. was my first employer.  He handed me an empty bag and told me to cover the grounds of the pool and pick up trash.  When I filled the bag, he would give me that cherry coke or snicker’s bar I could not pay for.  He always wore a smile and never had an unkind thing to say about anyone or anything.   He is one of those adult heroes you remember for the rest of your life.  God bless his soul.   Ed “Chip” Gallagher
 

November 15, 2013

To the Dianastasis Family,
My sincere condolences on the passing of a wonderful man.  Johnny D. gave me my first job at Skyline at the age of 14.  Many thanks to him for the opportunity to lifeguard, coach the swimming team and drive his 1940’s Ford pickup truck at the age of 14.  Johnny was always extremely enthustic about everything and always made everyone laugh.  I know that Johnny D.  will be missed by all.
Bob Kadel

November 15, 2013

My thoughts are with you and your family. Johnny D touched so many of us over the years. I will never forget my sense of awe as a young child when seeing Skyline for the first time at it’s grand opening. I would go on to spend my summers “living” at Skyline – swimming for the swim team, lifeguarding, and just hanging out with friends and family. Through Skyline, Johnny created a real sense of community for us.  His encouraging attitude, big smile and gentleness made a huge impression on me. What a remarkable role model he was!
Bob Pyle 

November 15, 2013

My heartfelt condolences to the Dianastasis family!  I have so many wonderful memories of Johnny D and Skyline Swimming Pool.  Johnny D was my first employer when I was in highschool and worked in the snack bar.  I especially remember the moonlight swims and the pool dances on the patio with highschool bands.  This kind, compassionate, giving man will be fondly remembered by all!
Barbara Gallagher Ferguson
 

November 15, 2013

 
Dear Des, Ernie, Maria & Nick;
As a charter member of Skyline – who watched the pool developed from a hole in the ground – I wish to express the sympathies of our family to you and your family for your loss. My children Brian, Deborah & David all benefited in countless ways from our membership there. Their lives were greatly impacted by the lessons and experiences they learned under Johnny D’s watchful eye.
On my Facebook posting of Johns passing, Brian wrote, “I don’t believe I have ever met a nicer, more enthusiastic or more dedicated man. I always wondered where he found the seemingly boundless energy. Johnny D will long be remembered. And his legacy lives on. (Made a really good Lime Rickey too…)” Deborah wrote, “Johnny D shaped most of my childhood (and others) by encouraging me to join the SKYLINE swim team at age eight. Thirteen years of competitive swimming taught me many valuable life lessons. Thanks Johnny!” I wrote, “Johnny D had an uncanny ability to be a disciplinarian with a smile on his face. He was a diplomat in all things – with fairness in his dealings with all people young or old – with dignity. He was truly a positive influence on countless souls who had the privilege of knowing him. (One other thing for sure – no one messed with Johnny D’s rules!)”
Deepest sympathies and prayers for all who will miss his presence but will never forget his essence. Marion Keyser
 

November 15, 2013

Dear Dianastasis Faily:
My wife and I were deeply sorry to read about John’s passing.  Please accept our sincere and deepest sympathy at this difficult time.  John was my mentor in passing my life saving certificate at Brookside Pools in the early ‘50s and also my employer at Maple Grove swimming pool where I was a lifeguard for three summers.  Those years were some of the best years of my life.  May your inner strength help you cope with these difficult circumstances.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you.  Merle and Donna  Schnee
 

November 15, 2013

Dear Johnny’s family,
I have such fond memories of Johnny D and my summers spent at Skyline – swimming for the summer team and winning league championships, hanging-out at the pool all afternoon with friends playing those great water games or playing card games on our towels. I am forever grateful to John and Despina for giving me the opportunity to coach the swim team, teach my first swimming lessons, and lifeguard.  His advice and guidance set the foundation for my future teaching and coaching career. Thank you. How lucky we all are to have known him.
Pam Sherrard Rosenberger
 

November 14, 2013

My heartfelt condolences to Johnny D’s family and loved ones on the loss of a wonderful man.  Just one of Johnny’s many accomplishments was the creation of Skyline Pool, which became a cornerstone of summertime fun, friendship and swimming competition for my family and many others over many years.  In this and all his endeavors Johnny D exuded energy and optimism and made life better for everyone around him.
Bill Owens / Davis, California / Skyline Swim Team 1961-1971

November 14, 2013

My sincere condolences to Johnny’s family.  He was a truly amazing person.  Always a positive attitude and friendly smile.  I played tennis with him for several years as his doubles partner.  He was very competitive, but always stressed that we were playing to have fun.  He leaves a leagacy of teaching, sharing, and caring for others.  He made the world a better place.  He will be missed.  Rest in peace Johnny.
Sincerely,
Jim Lafferty

November 14, 2013

may his memory be eternal; we will miss you!!
ian snyder

November 14, 2013

I would like to express my sympathy to the Dianastasis Family. I had the pleasure of working for Johnny D at Skyline Swimming Pool as a lifeguard for several years. His energy and his love for life was infectious and he was a joy to be around. He truly cared about the community he lived in and of course his entire family. I will miss him very much.
Respectfully,
Charles (Chuck) Rice

November 14, 2013

I’d like to offer my condolences to the Dianastasis family.  I had the distinct pleasure of working with the family at Nick’s Place during my teen years in Lancaster.  I enjoyed working with the family and learned many lessons during my employ.  Johny D. was a truly great, one-in-a-million man.  Many prayers to you during this very difficult time.  Sincerely, Ed Gorecki, Jr., egoreckijr@yahoo.com

November 14, 2013

My thoughts and prayers are with the family of this fine gentleman.  I met him early in my life while at Skyline and living in Grandview Heights.  I would see him throughout my career and he would always recognize me and greet me warmly.  I am sure he will be missed by many.
Barry Solodky

November 14, 2013

Dear Ernie,
It was wonderful reading about your father, Johnny D.  He lived a full life and left a legacy that will always live on.  I loved learning about his passion for swimming and teaching others to do it too.  It sounds like your father had many passions in life which probably means that he had a big personality too.  The world is obviously a better place because of your father.  I am sure that he was very proud of you as the world is a better place because of you too.
Thinking of you and your family with prayers and sympathy,
Cynthia Morgan

November 14, 2013

To the Dianastasis Family,
My deepest sympathies to all of your for the loss of such a wonderful man.  I will forever remember that beautiful smile that he never seemed to be without.  Most of my memories are from Skyline Pool.  Him teaching kids how to swim, and all the swim meets he participated in.  He was truely a wonderful, caring and compassioninate man, and he will be missed by all who knew and love him.  Rest in peace Johnny D.
Denise Amico Glatfelter

November 14, 2013

We are so sorry to hear of John’s passing.  He was such a positive person, always great to be around.  We will greatly miss him.  May his memory be eternal.
With deepest sympathy & love,
Mark & Angela Moshos

November 13, 2013

Mrs. Dianastasis, Ernie, Maria and Nick:
I was one of the many kids who learned to swim under Johnny D’s gentle instruction at Skyline. I still remember how he called all of us little kids “honey”. Skyline, which was my home base for many summers, provides lots of wonderful memories — Johnny’s penny/nickel/dime scrambles, moonlight swims, and incredibly well-kept facilities. He treated me with such kindness during those years as I progressed from taking swim lessons to swimming on the Skyline swim team to working as a lifeguard at Skyline. Some people’s kindness stays with you, no matter how many years have passed. For me, Johhny D is one of those people.
– Mike Hacker –

November 13, 2013

Dear Dianastasis family,
Please accept our deepest condolences on the passing of Johnny D.
The Robert Sherman family(Robert, Tobi, Stephen, Michael, Judi)

November 13, 2013

 
We loved Johnny.  He took us under his wing.  We were a small band of girls training for competitive swimming in the early 50’s.  His talent and generosity as a coach was extraordinary- we learned so much and had so much fun together.  He spent his Saturday nights driving us to swimming meets in the back of his truck labeled “johnny’s woodworking” and then during the week tolerated our complaints when – truthfully or not – we said a “stitch” prevented us from swimming those extra laps. Every time I saw him in the years after it brought a smile to my face and joy to my heart.  I feel blessed to have known this wonderful man.  Our lives are diminished by his untimely death.

November 13, 2013

Ernie,   I am sorry to hear of the loss of your father. He was obviously a great Dad, very accomplished individual as well as a fellow Ahepan brother. You are in my thoughts and prayers.  May his memory be eternal.
Nick Voutsakis 

November 13, 2013

Mrs. Dianastasis, Ernie, Maria, Nick, and families,
We have all been blessed to be able to have had the pleasure of knowing and sharing our lives with Mr. Dianastasis. He was a truley wonderful human being with such a caring love for others and for life itself. What an honor it was and will continue to be an honor to have known him. Our memories will continue to keep him in our hearts for ever and ever. God bless you all. Love, George and Denise Zourides.

November 13, 2013

Dear Des, Nick, Maria, Lou and family:

I am so sorry to hear of Johnny’s passing and offer my deepest sympathy to all of you. May your many wonderful memories help sustain you at this difficult time.

I love the picture you chose to put in the paper of Johnny in his tuxedo–it exudes the proud husband, father, grandfather he was! I cannot remember a day when I would see him at Kingston Center that he didn’t mention his “wonderful” family. He will be greatly missed by all of us.

Rest in peace, Johnny D!

Fondly,

Deb Belker

November 13, 2013

we are truly saddenby the passing of your beloved Johnny D, your husband, father, papou, brother, and
brother-in-law.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
May his memory be eternal.
Carl & Mary McClune

November 13, 2013

Ernie,
   I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your father. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.  Ginger Nobles

November 13, 2013

So sorry to read of the passing of Johnny D. Lots of great childhood memories from Skyline.  Johnny was my first employer (morning maintainence and life guard). My prayers go out to his family during this hard time. Johnny was a good man and he will be missed by many.
Bob Swavely
 

November 13, 2013

Johnny D. was more than the man who taught me how to swim as a kid at Skyline Pool. His inteligence, cheerfulness, gentle encouragement, and (in the eyes of a kid) this handsome, hairy, giant of a man also gave me a positive adult role model of what a man could be that I have never forgotten. Later, in business dealings with JD Real Estate, his ethics and honesty continued to be an inspiration. I’ll miss Johnny D., but he will always be remembered in my heart. 
John I. Woodward
 
 
 

November 13, 2013

Dear Mrs. D, Ernie, Maria and Nick,
Johnny D contributed so much to the community throughout his life and did so with genuineness and warmth.  Many many people were the beneficiaries of his ubuiquitous influence.  May his memory be for a blessing.
Steve Sherman (long-ago Hiemenz Road neighbor)

November 12, 2013

Theo John was a great uncle & friend. He always had a smile & a joke ready for those around him. He was a great man who will leave a void in many peoples’ lives, but was also an inspiration to all those who were blessed to have know him. nephew ed