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John will be remembered with love and gratitude by all those whose lives he touched, and his legacy will live on through his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family, and many friends.

John Neal Hatgi, 91, of Walkersville, Maryland, passed away on October 28, 2026. He will be remembered with love and gratitude by all those whose lives he touched, and his legacy will live on through his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family, and many friends.

John was born in Thessaloniki, Greece, on November 2, 1934, to Neal and Pandula Hatgis. When he was just an infant, his family moved to the Panama Canal Zone where he grew up alongside his younger sister, Goldy. His early years in Panama became an important part of his life story.

After graduating from Cristobal High School in 1954, where he was named outstanding athlete of the year, he moved to the United States to attend Indiana University. It was there he met his first wife, Elizabeth Byron. They married in 1959 and together welcomed three children: Mark, Neal, and Jennifer. In 1964, John earned a master’s degree in medical microbiology from the University of Maryland.

John built a career in scientific research, working under Dr Albert Sabin and at several respected research institutions, including Johns Hopkins University, the Gulf South Research Institute and ultimately, Fort Detrick. His professional journey reflected a lifelong commitment to learning, research, and scientific work.

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He helped found the Saints Peter and Paul Greek Orthodox Church in Frederick, Maryland, contributing to the establishment of a place where faith, fellowship, and Greek heritage could be shared.

In 1967, John became a U.S. naturalized citizen. He married his second wife, Ellen Miller, in 1971, and became part of a blended family that included five stepchildren.

John had many interests and hobbies throughout his life. He enjoyed collecting stamps, particularly from Greece, Panama, and the Panama Canal Zone. He was also an avid chess player, earning many tournament wins and enjoying the strategy, competition, and challenge of the game.

He was a passionate sports fan, devoted to the Baltimore Orioles, St. Louis Cardinals, Baltimore Ravens, Washington Wizards, Indiana Hoosiers, and Maryland Terrapins. Whether watching baseball, football, basketball, or college athletics, following his favorite teams was one of the pleasures of his life.

He was also part of the Greek Orthodox community. He helped found the Saints Peter and Paul Greek Orthodox Church in Frederick, Maryland, contributing to the establishment of a place where faith, fellowship, and Greek heritage could be shared by generations.

John is survived by his children Mark (Hilda), Neal (Lis), and Jennifer (Carsten); his stepchildren, Patty (Glen), Davis (Leticia), Angela (Roby) and Donald; his seven grandchildren, Steven, Zoe, Kristen (Mark), Joanne (Ste), Levi (Megan), Kimberly, and Cameron; and his three great-grandchildren, Poppy, Jasper, and Ashton. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Goldy, stepson Robert and his beloved wife of 52 years, Ellen.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, November 11, from 2-4 and 6-8 PM at Stauffer Funeral Home, 1621 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick. A funeral service will be held at St. Peter and Paul Greek Orthodox Church, 920 West 7th Street, Frederick, MD 21701. Interment will be at Resthaven Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the Saints Peter and Paul Greek Orthodox Church Renovation Fund.