Protodeacon John Eby, 73, a longtime resident of Bronxville, NY, died unexpectedly in his home on February 3, 2021.
Protodeacon John was born on December 8, 1947 in Lansing, MI. Raised as an Episcopalian, he entered the Orthodox Church during his time at Michigan State University. He graduated from MSU with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Interior and Architectural Design in 1970. After he was received into the Orthodox Church, he moved to New York to attend St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary, where he graduated in 1977 with a Master of Divinity degree (M.Div).
During his professional career, he worked as an interior designer in Detroit before moving to New York, where he worked for Royal Copenhagen, and then Asprey of London. For the past number of years, he had been working as the assistant manager for St. Vladimir’s Seminary Press and Bookstore.
He was ordained to the diaconate on August 15, 1999 by His Eminence Archbishop Peter and belonged to Holy Trinity Church, Yonkers, NY for over 30 years. He was elevated to the rank of Protodeacon at Holy Trinity Church in December of 2013 by His Eminence Archbishop Michael and awarded the right to wear the kamilavka in 2016. He had recently been granted retirement from his ministry at Holy Trinity Church, but was still working at St. Vladimir’s Seminary Press and Bookstore.
John is predeceased by his parents, F. Eugene Eby and Zetta Zoss Eby. He is survived by many generations of dear friends across several countries and many godchildren. He was full of faith, joy and love, and he will be deeply missed.
A Panikhida will be held on Wednesday, February 3, 2021 at 5:00 PM at St. Vladimir Seminary’s Three Hierarchs Chapel. Viewing hours will be on Friday, February 5, from 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM at Holy Trinity Orthodox Church, 46 Seymour Street, Yonkers, NY, immediately followed by a Panikhida at 7:30 PM. Divine Liturgy will be held on Saturday, February 6, at 10:00 AM at Holy Trinity Orthodox Church.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to either Holy Trinity Orthodox Church, Yonkers, NY, or St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary.
May Protodeacon John’s memory be eternal!