John Harold Huminski, 84, of Havre de Grace, Maryland, and formerly a longtime resident of Valley Stream, New York, passed away on September 20, 2026.

John was born on February 28, 1942, in Richmond Hill, Queens, New York, to Victor Huminski and Lillian Burnett Huminski. He attended Archbishop Molloy High School in Queens before beginning a lifelong pursuit of education and history.

John earned a Bachelor of Arts in History from St. Francis College in 1964. He continued his studies at Michigan State University, receiving a Master of Arts in History in 1966 and a Doctor of Philosophy in History in 1975. His academic work focused on American and Native American history. His doctoral dissertation, George Boyd: Indian Agent of the Upper Great Lakes, 1819-1842, is preserved in Michigan State University's digital collection. His scholarly work included "Squanto and Massasoit: A Struggle for Power," published in The New England Quarterly in 1987. Among his most consequential projects was an ethnohistory of the Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians that helped support the Band's recognition by the federal government as a distinct tribe.

John served honorably in the United States Army from October 11, 1966, through October 10, 1968. He attained the rank of Specialist Five and served as a broadcast specialist. His decorations included the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal.

John devoted his professional life to education. From 1976 to 1983, he taught history at Michigan State University. In 1983, he began working for the New York City Board of Education, where he served as Director of Student Affairs. He retired in 2003 after two decades of service to the students and families of New York City.

During his semi-retirement, John returned to teaching as an adjunct associate professor of history at St. Francis College. He brought history to life through his passion, insightful intelligence, sage perspective, and, often, a couple of boxes of microfiche slides.

John's service to others and commitment to citizenship led to his induction into Archbishop Molloy High School's Stanner Hall of Fame in 2001.

On March 31, 1978, John married his beloved wife, Paula Ellen Huminski. They shared more than four decades of marriage and built a life centered on family, learning, travel, and generosity. Paula preceded him in death.

John loved spending time with his family at their cottage in Southampton, New York. His empathy stretched to his fingertips, reflected in his green thumb and the care with which he grew flowers, fruits, and vegetables. His stewardship of the land sprang from his personal spirituality. He also loved animals, especially dogs and cats.

John also loved baseball. A Brooklyn Dodgers fan who became an avid New York Mets supporter, he still found room to root for the Yankees while coaching the Rosedale Yankees Little League team. His love of the game and dedication to serving young people led him to coach Little League baseball for nearly a decade.

John's ideal day was a simple one: reading the newspaper, listening to a baseball game on the radio, spending time with his family, reading a book on the deck overlooking Peconic Bay, and barbecuing dinner as the sun began to set.

John saw beauty and spirituality in nature and used his skill as an amateur photographer to capture and share that natural grace. He was entranced by the sight of the sun setting over Peconic Bay and snapped photographs as though they were hymns to nature.

Cross-country road trips held a special place in John's heart. He traveled to visit friends and family and to explore Native American museums, cultural centers, monuments, and historic sites. Along the way, he photographed the landscapes, artwork, and places that held special meaning for him. A selection of these photographs will be displayed at his memorial in recognition of his deep appreciation for Native American history and culture.

John was a gentle and understanding man who was always willing to listen. He enjoyed sharing thoughtful advice and encouraging others to find ways to improve their lives. His spirituality was personal and expressed through compassion, reflection, generosity, and service rather than through formal religious practice.

He quietly supported numerous charitable organizations, including North Shore Animal League America, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and organizations serving Native American communities.

John will be lovingly remembered as Grandpa John by his grandchildren and as a devoted father, grandfather, educator, veteran, and friend.

John shared a special bond with his son-in-law Enrique, whom he affectionately called his 'lil amigo' and 'muchacho.'

John is survived by his three children: David Huminski and his wife, Deana, of Valley Stream, New York; Daniel Huminski and his wife, Sarah, of Sacramento, California; and Laura Ann Garcia and her husband, Enrique, of Havre de Grace, Maryland. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Dakota and Dylan Huminski, Faraday and Henrietta Huminski, and John Henry and William Victor Garcia.

In addition to his wife, Paula, John was preceded in death by his parents, Victor and Lillian Huminski, and his sister, Marilyn Boening.

A viewing will be held on Thursday, October 1, 2026, from 11 AM until12PM, at Zellman Funeral Home, P.A., 927 Pulaski Highway, Havre de Grace, MD 21078. Funeral services will begin at 12 PM. Interment will be held at Mt. Erin Cemetery.

Contributions may be made in his memory to Humane Society of Harford County.