Obituary of Dr. John Gregory Cisco

Dr. John Gregory Cisco, PhD, of Denville, NJ, passed away peacefully at home on December 6, 2025. Born on September 11, 1951, to the late Walter and Ann Teresa (Markowska) Cisco, John was one of three boys raised in Irvington, NJ. Among his brothers, Larry and the late Walter, John was always the studious and steady one—traits that shaped the extraordinary life he went on to build.

John graduated from Seton Hall Preparatory School in 1969 before earning his B.A. from Seton Hall University, his M.A. from Xavier University in Cincinnati, OH, and ultimately his Ph.D. in Psychology from Fordham University in New York. He began his career at St. Clare’s Hospital in Denville and at a methadone clinic in Jersey City, where he became known for his compassion, dedication, and tireless work ethic. Shortly thereafter, he opened his private practice, Dr. John G. Cisco, PhD, which he owned and operated on Orchard Street in Denville for over 30 years. As a psychologist, Dr. John was deeply committed to the wellbeing of his patients, always going above and beyond. He also worked closely with Greystone to help individuals transition into halfway homes—an effort that reflected his lifelong devotion to serving others.

In September 1979, John married the love of his life, Janet Silver (Whorf). After a brief time in Parsippany, they settled in the Indian Lake section of Denville, where they built a warm and joyful home together and raised their two sons. The family later moved across the lake to their longtime residence, a place filled with decades of memories.

John was a man of many passions. He loved being outdoors—camping, hiking, fishing, and spending time on the lake, especially around a good campfire. He took great pride in maintaining a perfect credit score, a testament to his discipline and attention to detail. A devoted Beatles fan, he especially admired John Lennon. He and Janet were married in a memorable ceremony in Mt. Tabor, a day he often reflected on with joy.

John gave generously to his community. He served as President of the Indian Lake Community Club and President of the Men’s Club for many years. But perhaps he was best known—and adored—for playing Santa at the annual “Breakfast with Santa” on Indian Lake, a role he embraced for 25 delightful years, bringing wonder and excitement to generations of local children.

John cherished his family above all. The Cisco family was known for being exceptionally close-knit—celebrating every holiday together, enjoying Sunday backyard barbecues, and taking annual trips to Lukan’s Farm Resort in Hawley, PA. and to Bethany Beach, DE. These traditions created a lifetime of memories that his family will forever cherish.

His legacy will live on in the hearts of his sons, John and Jesse; his brother, Larry Cisco; his sisters-in-law Sandy (the late Walter) Cisco and Jane Cisco; and his nephews Luke, Mark, and Stephen Cisco. He was predeceased by his parents, his brother Walter, and his beloved wife, Janet.

A celebration of John’s life will be held at the Indian Lake Community Club at a later date. For those who wish to help the family during this difficult time, a GoFundMe has been established which you can access by clicking here. Condolences and special memories may be shared at www.normandean.com, where the family hopes to preserve the many stories of how John touched the lives of others.

Dr. John G. Cisco was exceptionally smart, endlessly hardworking, and profoundly kind. His legacy is one of service, family, and love—and he will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him.