John Louis Parascandola

John Louis Parascandola

July 14, 1941 - November 30, 2024 

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John Parascandola passed away at home November 30 at the age of 83. 

Those who knew John know he was a social person. He treasured his many friends and colleagues, with whom he kept in touch over decades. Never at a loss for words, his voice carried far. 

John grew up in Brooklyn and, as the first person in his family to attend university, he received his Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry from Brooklyn College. He was a longtime devoted fan of the Mets and, more recently, the New York Liberty women’s basketball team. He went on to complete his PhD in 1968 at the University of Wisconsin – Madison, where he stayed on to teach for 12 years and raise a family. Subsequently, John served in the federal government as Chief of the History of Medicine Division of the National Library of Medicine and as historian for the Public Health Service. He received many awards for his scholarly work in the history of medicine and public health. 

Following retirement, he kept busy researching and writing books, including Sex, Sin and Science: A History of Syphilis in America and King of Poisons: A History of Arsenic. His most recent scholarly work, a product of many years of research and published shortly before his death, was A History of the Development of Alternatives to Animals in Research and Testing. He was also co-editor with brother Louis Parascandola of A Coney Island Reader: Through Dizzy Gates of Illusion and the forthcoming Atlantic City Reader.

In recent years John continued to teach classes on topics such as Mummies and Mad Doctors in Film and Literature, reflecting his interests in quirky topics and old horror movies.

John is survived by sons Mark and Adam Parascandola, brother Louis J. Parascandola, daughters-in-law Christina Parascandola and Stephanie Prete, and sister-in-law Shondel Nero. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Randee Chafkin. 

John and Randee were loyal supporters of Humane Society International. For those who wish to give in John’s memory, donations can be made John and Randee Chafkin Parascandola Fund. 

A memorial service will be held at a later date.