Juan Federico Rondon Aranda, known affectionately as John, Mr. Rondon, or Captain Rondon was born on June 15, 1942 in Puerto Rico. He was born to Francisco Rondon and Francisca Aranda. He departed this life May 23rd, 2025. He is survived by his children, Tina and Dwayne; seven grandchildren; and seventeen great-grandchildren.

John demonstrated his love for Christ through serving and caring for people. His faith was not reserved for Sunday mornings or public platforms. It was a compass that guided his relationships, his work, and his choices. Whether serving as a husband, father, grandfather, teacher, Salvation Army Officer, or neighbor, he sought to reflect the character and compassion of Christ in both word and deed. John graduated from Boys HS in 1958, studied Social Work at City College earned his Master's in Education and spent decades shaping young minds as a public school educator in New York City. He did not simply teach, it was a part of his ministry. He arrived early, stayed late, and saw each student as uniquely made and worthy of investment. His classroom wasn't just a place of learning; it was a sanctuary of encouragement, structure, and hope.

While serving as band master in the Salvation Army, John met the love of his life, Marie Ester. Their bond was rooted in music, ministry, and a shared desire to serve the Lord with everything they had. He proposed during an Open Air service and they married in 1966 and raised two children, Tina and Dwayne, with faith, laughter, and unwavering love. In 1970, John and Marie entered the Salvation Army School for Officer Training. What followed was over twenty years of ministry across Puerto Rico, the Bronx, and Brooklyn. They led corps, built programs, preached the gospel, and loved people deeply. John's ministry wasn't loud or self-promoting. Instead, it was faithful, consistent, and Spirit-led. He was a steady presence in chaotic places, a man who showed up, stayed put, and did the work God gave him to do. John had a passion for the arts, not as entertainment, but as an expression of worship. He brought musicals into the church, equipped children and adults alike to discover their creative gifts. He reminded the congregation that God speaks through beauty, rhythm, and story.

Joy radiated from John wherever he went. He had the gift of encouragement, the wisdom of a shepherd, and the humor of someone who knew joy was a holy weapon. He was quick to forgive, generous with grace, and always ready with a light-hearted joke to lift the heaviness of the day. Even in difficult times, he pointed others toward what truly mattered: faith, family, and faithfulness. He lived his life not perfectly but persistently. Not for show but instead for the sake of the One who called him. John has now entered into his eternal rest. His life was an offering and now his reward is full.

His legacy lives on not only in his family but also in the lives of every person he impacted, every student he uplifted, every ministry he helped build, and every person who caught a glimpse of Jesus through him. To know John was to witness a life of quiet strength and holy purpose. He didn't seek recognition, he sought to reflect God. Now, having finished his race, we echo the words we know he longed to hear: Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your Lord.


-   -   -   -   -   -


Visitation Hours
Monday, June 9, 2025
&
Tuesday, June 10, 2025
12 Noon - 7 PM

The Salvation Army Bay Ridge Brooklyn Worship and Community Center
252 86th Street
Brooklyn, NY 11209

Prayer Services
Monday, June 9, 2025
&
Tuesday, June 10, 2025
3 PM & 7 PM ( BOTH DAYS )

The Salvation Army Bay Ridge Brooklyn Worship and Community Center
252 86th Street
Brooklyn, NY 11209