A friend passed away.

John Aliprantis came to the United States as a 6 year old from an island in Greece, not speaking a word of English. He worked, mastered the English language, served in the US Army and received a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Columbia University. He was a professional engineer, and senior vice president of Seeley, Stevenson, Value and Knecht, later known as STV Incorporated. John was responsible for the entire civil division, both design and construction, in the New York City office. This work included roads, bridges, airports, and rail. John created a cadre of professional civil engineers who were or became vice presidents capable of managing major projects for our clients. They were Rogers Thackaberry, Dick Posthauer, Jim Hynes, George Shearer, Bruce Smith, Dr. Peter Cheu, and Donald Yue. He gave them responsibility, and let them succeed. He was always there for them, if needed. He cared for the people who worked for him.

A patient man, reflective by nature, his hobby was making furniture, an exacting labor of love. Simply try to do wood joinery to see how much effort goes into it. He liked to dabble in stocks as well but John’s life was truly his wife and two sons. The job was second to them. Every once in a while, he’d mention what one or both of his sons had done. And if it was something that most parents would be upset about, he’d shrug it off saying, “Things happen”. John took great pride in Peter and Antonio as they were growing up, making decisions about college, life, home and marriage.

John was in St Francis hospital where I saw him for a few short visits late last April. He said he was there because of fluid around the lungs caused by a reaction to medicine. True to his stoic nature, he never mentioned cancer in our conversations. He went to Boston but what was prescribed had a negative effect. He came home and died July 2nd, about a week later. Donald and I went to the viewing. Surprisingly, we were the only ones he worked with who were there. In passing, he was surrounded by his loving family, grand children, relatives, neighbors and friends. He will be missed.

Hank Hessing