John Matthew Szal, age 78, passed away on April 6, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones. John and his wife, Anne, moved to Shannondell Retirement Community in 2022 after living in King of Prussia for more than 30 years.

Born in Calais, Maine, John grew up in the suburbs of Detroit, MI, and graduated from Michigan State University. Following graduation, John joined the United States Marine Corps in the midst of the Vietnam War and served as a Captain in an air wing stationed in Chu Lai, Vietnam. He was awarded a National Defense Service Medal, Vietnamese Service Medal, Vietnamese Campaign Medal, and Pistol Sharpshooter Designation. He was honorably discharged in December 1971. He was intensely proud of his service to his country and was honored and humbled by the recent recognition of all Vietnam Veterans who are finally receiving the proper “welcome home” they deserved. When anyone thanked John for his service, his response was always the same: “You were worth it.”

John moved back to East Lansing, MI, following the Marine Corps, until work opportunities brought him to the Philadelphia area. In 1981, John founded Spherical Concepts and began his life as a Globe Maker. Over the next 26 years, under his leadership, Spherical Concepts grew from a company with one product to an internationally recognized brand in the map, globe, and astronomy products industry, domestically and internationally. In 1995, Spherical Concepts was awarded the worldwide manufacturing and marketing rights for National Geographic Globes. He liked to say, “We achieved Worldwide Global Domination – which is not as redundant as it sounds.” In 2007, Spherical Concepts was acquired by Herff Jones, Inc., and John served as the Director of the Retail Map and Globe Division until he retired in 2011.

In 1991, John and Anne celebrated the birth of their daughter, Emily Anne. From the moment John laid eyes on his happy girl, it was love at first sight. The feeling was mutual, and they went on to share a deep love of baseball, music, and performing arts. John adored watching Emily perform on stage, doing what she loved. And wide-mouthed laughter bonded them forever.

After moving to Shannondell with Anne, John participated in as many groups and activities as his schedule would permit and quickly made friends with nearly everyone with whom he came in contact. He was a devoted Phillies fan and continued to follow Michigan State sports long after leaving East Lansing.

John was a dedicated charter member of the Greater Philadelphia Center for Spiritual Living, an organization whose mission is to empower individuals and communities to live consciously as expressions of God and create a world that works for all. He served multiple terms on GPCSL’s board and was currently serving as the leader of the Asset Allocation Team – always the creative business mind eager to share his wisdom.

John was the son of the late Matthew Szal and the late Dorothy (Nixon) Szal. His sister Nancy Szal passed away in 2024.

In addition to his beloved wife of 40 years, Anne Cassidy Szal, John is survived by his adored and devoted daughter, Emily Anne Szal, and his much-loved son-in-law, Jeffrey Masino, his brothers Peter Szal (Gail), Timothy Szal, and Christopher Szal, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-laws in both the Szal and Cassidy families, and countless friends, former employees, and acquaintances. He was a great man who is leaving behind a great hole in the hearts and lives of many.

A celebration of John’s life will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at the United Church of Christ at Valley Forge (45 Walker Road, Wayne, PA). Visitation with the family will begin at 2 pm, followed by the service beginning at 3 pm. After the service, all are invited to enjoy refreshments in the Fellowship Hall and continue visiting with the family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Greater Philadelphia Center for Spiritual Living (https://cslphilly.org/donation/) or Wounded Warrior Project (https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/).