John Christian Siewers II, 86, died peacefully surrounded by his family on June 20, 2024. He is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Mary Lucy, and their three children, Lucy Damgard (Teddy), Margaret Hunter, John Siewers III (Michelle), and 9 grandchildren.

Johnny’s life was fulfilled by his love for his family, friends, and faith. The youngest son of Rosalie Sanderson and Frederick William Siewers, Sr, was born in Richmond on September 10, 1937. He is survived by his brother, Frederick William Siewers, Jr., and predeceased by his sister, Rosalie Siewers Johnson.

A lifelong Richmonder, Johnny, graduated from Benedictine High School in 1955, where he excelled as a City MVP basketball player. Johnny then accepted a scholarship to continue his basketball career at the University of Virginia, where he started all 3 years and was a two-time captain in 1958 and 1959. He graduated from UVA in 1959 from the McIntire School of Commerce. At Virginia, he was a member of the SAE fraternity, the Judiciary Committee, the IMP Society, and TILKA. In his fourth year, he was awarded the Sidney Young Memorial Trophy, given annually to the athlete who exemplifies the highest qualities of leadership, cooperative spirit, and unselfish service in the interest of athletics at the University of Virginia.

Johnny married Mary Lucy Thompson on May 8, 1965. Their idyllic marriage was a true testament of what it means to love and be loved. Johnny adored his friends and extended family, but nothing brought him more joy than his grandchildren – Lily, John, and Teddy Damgard; Thomas, Hattie, and Davis Hunter; Jack, Sally, and Lucy Siewers. A gentle giant, he was known to all for his sense of kindness and integrity – a true gentleman through and through. Johnny never met a stranger and spent much of his life quietly helping others. His favorite pastime was attending as many of the grandchildren’s sporting events as possible. An easily recognized Saints’ grandparent, he was known by all in the stands as the most enthusiastic cheerleader with the biggest, best smile. When not watching one of the grandkids’ games, Johnny could be found at his favorite place on earth – his river house on the York River. “The more the merrier” was his mantra for anyone and all to visit the river, where he was in his element riding his John Deere lawnmower, teaching everyone how to crab from the pier, watching the beautiful sunsets, and throwing his traditional 4th of July party.

From his early teen years Johnny devoted his professional life to the family company, Siewers Lumber and Millwork. The company was more than just a business to him. It was an extension of his character and values where he was a role model and set the example to follow, always treating everyone with kindness and respect. He was honored to be inducted with his brother Freddie, into the Junior achievement Greater Richmond Business Hall of Fame in 2013.

Johnny ‘s Catholic faith guided him throughout his life. He was on the Parrish Council of St. Benedict’s Church and the Board of Directors of Benedictine High School. As a respected member of the community, he served on many different boards, including Children’s Hospital of Richmond, Richmond Department of Parks and Recreation, Boys and Girls Club of Metro Richmond, St. Christopher’s School, Westwood Club, Richmond Corrugated Box, B.W. Wilson Paper Company, and President of The Country Club of Virginia.

The family will receive friends, 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm Tuesday, June 25, 2024 at Bliley’s Central Chapel. A funeral mass will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, at St. Bridget Catholic Church. A graveside service will be held 3:00 pm at Holy Cross Cemetery.

We are accepting condolence cards on the behalf of the family care of our lumberyard address.
Mary Lucy Siewers
1901 Ellen Rd
Richmond, VA 23230

Read full obituary here