Dr. John Symond, 89, of Melrose, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, April 22, 2026 at his home.

Born in Cairo, Egypt, on February 21, 1937, John immigrated to the U.S. legally as a young boy in pursuit of the American dream. He was one of three children of the late Sophos and Clara (Kasimatis) Symond. John grew up very modestly on the south side of Chicago and graduated on an accelerated track from Loyola University Chicago School of Dentistry while helping out in his family's restaurant.

Once graduating, John served honorably in the Coast Guard as a dentist, a role that reinforced his commitment to service and care. After his discharge, he established his dental practice on Franklin Street, where he cared for his patients for 60 years. John befriended his patients and, likewise, his patients loved him. John will be greatly missed.

In 1968, John married his beloved Carol Calliope Constantine of Northbrook, Illinois. Together, they cultivated a family built on Christian values, high expectations and accountability. John was a force and took great pride in being a dedicated husband, an exemplary father and one-of-a-kind "Papou".

John treasured time spent with family, especially his grandchildren. He was a bit of a foodie, enjoyed gardening, bird watching and a good snowstorm. An avid reader, he was always surrounded by books. His command of most subjects was astounding. Yet he remained humble and relied only on the Bible. He prayed consistently. His faith was quiet and steady; tested yet continued.

John and Carol shared 58 years of marriage. Devoted father of Melanie Symond of Melrose and her partner Tony Regan, Jason Symond and his wife Karen of Melrose, Sarah Laubinger and her husband Ted of Hamilton, and Jonathan Symond and his partner Maura O'Brien of Wakefield. Cherished Papou of Courtney McNamara and her fiance Connor Stanmore, Nicholas Laubinger, Christopher Symond, Calliope Symond, and Ashley Laubinger. Loving brother of Louise Sweet and her late husband David of California and Clara Tahmisian and her husband Ted of Indiana. Also survived by his niece Pamela Tahmisian Buysse and her husband John of Indiana.

Services for John will remain private. Interment in Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose. 

Donations in lieu of flowers should be made to Pacific Garden Mission, the country's oldest continuously operating Gospel rescue mission (www.pgm.org).