In lieu of flowers, the family has requested to plant trees or make donations in John's memory to:
Please send acknowledgement email to: cdemegret@hotmail.com

Calvary Fund of Calvary Hospital

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John R. DeMegret passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 11, 2026, surrounded by loved ones, at the age of 96.  One of 10 children, he believed his greatest life gift to be his family.  From his birthplace on a coffee farm in the mountains of Guantánamo, Cuba, his life spanned many eras and massive transformations.  He traveled widely and transcended boundaries, exploring, creating, and harvesting, living life on his own terms.

We remember the wise, creative, powerful man that he was; the non-conformist and out-of-the box thinker; the very compassionate man with true integrity.  A man who could tell the turn of the weather by the blowing of the wind, and the appearance of a cloud.  Quiet and observant, he was a deep thinker, intuitive, compassionate and reflective.  His capacity to learn, grow, and change was truly remarkable.

John was an elementary school teacher for a period, and also a beekeeper, farmer, and merchant marine – a jack of all trades at home in Cuba.  First, he fought with Fidel Castro, then against him, fleeing to the United States in 1960.  Here, he earned his living as a construction worker and housing inspector with many creative endeavors, from writing to farming to painting and caring for escaped tropical birds.  In yet another life, he moved among the miners in Bolivia, learning the ancient ways of the Quechua people. In his 70's and 80's, he immersed himself in nature, returning to his farming vocation in Callicoon, NY, planting wildflowers and food, wrestling chickens and groundhogs, and relishing spectacular sunsets from his mountaintop.
John was devoted to his family and he instilled in them a firm belief in justice, hard work, and perseverance.

John is survived by his children, Roberto, Andrés, and Claudia; his wife, Maria Peña; his grandchildren, Claudia Amaranta, Paula, Sebastián, Zaylin and Yuselis; his stepson, Carlos Peña; his son-in-law, Lenny and daughter-in-law, Flora; several great-grandchildren; and his remaining siblings, Oscar Rodriguez and Gloria Achamizo.   There is a large contingent in the world who carry on the bloodline and the indomitable spirit of the DeMegret's-Rodriguezes.

What is grief, if not love persevering…

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Visitation Hours
Sunday, January 18, 2026
1 PM - 3 PM

Clavin Funeral Home
7722 4th Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11209
Complimentary Valet Parking Available

Prayer Service
Sunday, January 18, 2026
2 PM

Clavin Funeral Home
7722 4th Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11209