John von Isakovics

John von Isakovics, 79, passed away on June 14, 2022, at Baystate Medical Center, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Middletown, NY, on March 26, 1943, he was a son of the late Alois von Isakovics, Jr. and Betty Jane (George) von Isakovics.
Formerly an English teacher, John became a fine hand bookbinder and operated Jovonis Bookbindery for more than 25 years with some of his finer crafted works displayed in museums such as The Smithsonian and The Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. He loved books and reading with his personal library always expanding to include a vast array of topics.
John was an athlete in his youth and enjoyed playing baseball and football. He enjoyed watching all sports, but especially loved watching baseball games with his wife Nancy. John also loved all animals, particularly his cat Portia, a dear companion for 21 years. He would get great joy when family members would bring their dogs to his house, as the animals would gravitate to him.
Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his brother Alois von Isakovics, III. To cherish his memory, John leaves his wife of 56 years, Nancy (Rigg) von Isakovics; his daughters Amy Babich and her husband Douglas of West Hartford, CT, Sara Cava and her husband John of Wallingford, PA, and Liz von Isakovics and her husband JJ Kagan of Springfield; his grandchildren John Angelo Cava, Alexa Jane Cava and Thomas Jack Babich; his sister Ann von Pham of Seattle, WA, as well as several nieces and nephews. John was delighted to become a grandfather and would always have books waiting for his grandchildren in anticipation of their visit.
Memorial services will be held privately for the family.
Memorial contributions in John’s memory may be made to Dakin Humane Society
PO Box 6307, Springfield, MA 01101 or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. For more information or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.forastiere.com