John Landicho

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of John Landicho, who departed this life peacefully on October 20, 2025, at the age of ninety-three. John was born on August 19, 1932, in Palo Alto, California, to Martin and Fructosa Landicho. John was a dedicated husband to Cora. They celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary in January 2025 and was a devoted father to Thomas (Lisa), James (Kathy), Ann, Edward (Joan), and Theresa (Robert). He was a brother to Joseph (Jen) and Linda Cabigas. He was a proud grandfather of Marc, Alex, Sean, Carmen, Greg, John, Sole, Carolyn, Alicia, Daniel, and Michael. John was the uncle to Samantha, Nicole and Teddy and a great grandfather to Haloka, Xochitl, and Amaya.

John graduated Summa Cum Laude from San Jose State University. After graduating, he was drafted after the outbreak of the Korean War and was sent to serve at Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE), Rocquencourt, Yvelines, France. It was there he worked in Army Intelligence alongside his English and European counterparts during the Cold War. After being honorably discharged he relocated to the east coast and built a career as a government auditor for the US General Accounting Office (GAO). While at GAO, he was recognized for his outstanding work and service. John was sent to Harvard University to work on and receive his Master’s in Business Administration. Among his career highlights, John testified before various Committees-Subcommittees of the House and Senate. He had appeared and testified before members of Congress and staff regarding the issues of defense spending specifically with the US Navy's submarines, surface warfare ships, aircraft carriers, and overall defense readiness. In 1972, John received GAO's Career Development Award in recognition of his outstanding career. In 1980, he received GAO's Distinguished Service Award for his work in the Domestic Program Areas. In 1985, he received GAO's Distinguished Service Award for his work in the Defense Area. In 1992, he received the Assistant Comptroller General (Planning and Reporting) Award.

John has been active in certain civic activities at home. He was a member of the Board of Directors for the Calverton Citizens’ Association where he served as Treasurer. John also served as Board President of the Calverton Swim Club. In addition, he was Calverton Swim Team's representative to the Montgomery County Swim League. He worked at swim meets in various roles as a timer, stroke and turn judge, starter, and referee for many years. In his honor and in recognition of his various volunteer roles, Calverton Swim Team named an award to be given to a worthy swimmer and named it the "John Landicho Spirit Award". Recently it was renamed to “The Landicho Spirit Award”. John thought it was very befitting because all his children swam competitively and worked as lifeguards and swim instructors.

John, a lifelong parishioner of St. Joseph Catholic Church, in Beltsville’s Maryland, gave unselfishly of his time and talents. He always had a cheerful, upbeat attitude that his fellow parishioners admired and respected. Both he and his wife Cora are devout Catholics, who worked voluntarily and never asked for any recognition. Among John's many roles were the President of St. Joseph Catholic School's Home and School Association, serving on the committee to retain St. Joseph School when it was going through low enrollment and financial constraints. His hard work and efforts were successful in keeping the school running every year since then. Presently, it is thriving successfully in its present form as a center of excellence as a Blue Ribbon school. He helped establish the Parish Council and served as its 2nd Chairperson. For many years he served as either the Chair or Co-Chairman for the Cardinal's Stewardship Appeals. He served as a member of the Parish Finance Council and later was appointed Chairman. He was a member of the fundraising committee for our new St. Joseph Church and served as the chairman for the church’s Memorial Committee. The fundraising was used for furnishing our new church sanctuary, Stations of the Cross, pews, etc. He was a member of the Money Count Team for the Sunday collections and for the Christmas Bazaar fundraiser. He was one of the first group of men commissioned to be a Eucharistic Minister, under Fr. Francis Chodnicky, and to serve as Altar Servers at daily masses and funerals. John served on the Board of Regents for the Academy of The Holy Names an all-girl high school. Both his daughters, Ann and Theresa attended and graduated from that school.

At the Archdiocesan Level, John and Cora served on the Advisory Board for the Cardinal's Appeal. John very recently served on the Stewardship Committee of the Cardinal Wuerl's Synod. For his efforts, the Archdiocese of Washington presented him a medal called the “Order of Merit”. Later John and Cora received a joint award, entitled, ''Manifesting the Kingdom," from Cardinal Wuerl.

At the international level, John joined with his wife, on the committee for bringing Our Lady of Antipolo from the Philippines to The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. Bishop Corrado asked John to join this “core” committee. John was asked to establish a foundation named, " The Journeying with Mary Foundation" - A 501(C)(3) non-profit foundation that John served as President and Cora as an officer. The project was successful in transporting the Our Lady of Antipolo statute to the Oratory for Our Lady area located in The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. John and Cora are members of the 1909 Society of the Basilica. For many years John and Cora were given the status of Benefactors for the Basilica.

As a Knights of Columbus (K of C) member, John was a past Grand Knight of the Prince Georges Council #2809 and a past Faithful Navigator of the Archbishop Michael J. Curley Assembly #383, K of C, Fourth Degree. For a few years, John was a member of the Color Corps for this Assembly.

In lieu of sending flowers, the family ask that you please consider donating in John’s memory to St. Joseph Catholic Church, 11007 Montgomery Road, Beltsville, MD 20705.