Dr. John Joseph Lyon

Mass of Christian Burial Livestream Link: https://basilica.nd.edu/sacraments/funerals/funerals-livestream/

Dr. John Joseph Lyon was born in Garfield Park, Chicago, Illinois on September 18, 1932 to William Bridgeman and Mary Catherine, and passed into Eternal Glory, having received the Apostolic Blessing and Pardon, on October 17, 2023.

His primary education was with the Christian Brothers at St.Mel. Dr. Lyon received his Bachelors and Masters in History from the University of Notre Dame in 1954 and 1955 before pursuing his Doctorate in the same discipline at Emory, Duquesne, and Pittsburgh. From 1966-1983 he taught at Notre Dame, eventually serving as the Chairman of the Program of Liberal Studies, personally introducing the Eastern Classics and the Intellectual and Cultural History program to the curriculum. He taught at numerous other schools, including Duquesne, Kentucky State, Ball State, Lakeland , St. Mary’s, Bowling Green,  and Hillsdale. He was an avid outdoorsman, photographer, farmer, carpenter, poet, author, translator and above all, father. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; former wife Jaqueline; sister Mary, and children Thomas, Sean, Grace, and Hope.  He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth; thirteen children, two siblings; and by a whole mess of beautiful grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as many other beloved family and friends. 

A Vigil Service will be held at 4:30 PM on 24 October, 2023 followed by visitation until 6:30 PM at Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Drive, South Bend, IN.  His Funeral Mass will take place at 2:30 PM on 25 October, 2023 at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart (Notre Dame, IN), followed by a reception (TBD).  Burial will take place at Cedar Grove Cemetery, Notre Dame, IN.

To send online condolences, please visit www.kaniewski.com.

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