Amherst – John G. Moner, 88, of Amherst died October 8, 2016.  He was born in Bayonne, New Jersey on September 4, 1928, the son of John and Veronica (Hopko) Moner.

John graduated from Bayonne Senior High School and went on to receive his Bachelor’s degree in biology from Johns Hopkins University and then his Ph.D. from Princeton University where his focus was cell biology.  After two years of service in the army he came to the University of Massachusetts, Amherst in 1955 where he became a professor in the Biology Department.  During his 40 years at the University he taught courses that included anatomy and physiology and cell physiology.  He also developed the introductory biology course for majors and taught sections of that course.  His research included studies in cell wall formation, RNA synthesis and cell division.

John had a lifelong love of music particularly classical, big band, Broadway, songs of the 1930’s and 1940’s and occasionally rock and roll.  He kept up with writing, current world events and scientific news.  He was a passionate New York Yankees fan and most of all he treasured his loving family.

Surviving John are his wife Meriel, his son Christopher and his wife Kim, his son Curtis, his daughter Marianne, his daughter Emily, his first wife Barbara, a grandson John, a granddaughter Jensena, a nephew Lou and his family and a niece Lynn and her family.

A memorial service will be held at 10am, October 24, 2016 at Grace Episcopal Church in Amherst.  A private family burial will take place at Wildwood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers remembrances in honor of John may be made to Princeton University. Checks should be made payable to Trustees of Princeton University (memo line: in memory of John G. Moner, 1953) and mailed to Princeton University, Alumni and Donor Records, Helen Hardy, P.O. Box 5357, Princeton, NJ 08543-5357.  Or remembrances can be made to Johns Hopkins University. Checks should be made payable to Johns Hopkins University (memo line: in memory of John G. Moner, 1949) and mailed to Johns Hopkins University, Krieger School of Arts and Sciences Office of External Affairs, 3400 N. Charles Street, Wyman 500W, Baltimore, MD 21218.

From both universities John was grateful and proud to receive his higher education.