John C. Landon

Dr. John C. Landon passed away Sunday, January 10, 2021 at the age of 84. Born and raised in Hornell, New York, John went on to earn a B.A. in Biology from Alfred College with the Class of 1959 and a M.S. and Ph.D. in Biology from The George Washington University in 1962 and 1967. He married Nancy Bachenheimer in August 1958. John worked for most of his career in Maryland, but summered in Brewster, Massachusetts, where he retired in 2013.

John had a long and distinguished career in biology. He began at the National Cancer Institute working in cancer virology, then went to Litton Bionetics from 1965 until 1975, where he became the Science Director of the Frederick Cancer Research Center. In 1975 he became President and Director of Mason Research Institute, a subsidiary of EG&G now known as Perkin Elmer. In 1982 he founded BIOQUAL, a biomedical research corporation that provided contract services to the National Institutes of Health. He led BIOQUAL for more than 30 years as President and CEO and grew it to a $20M+ life sciences corporation at his retirement. BIOQUAL continues today and has played a key role in testing vaccines and therapeutics for COVID-19.

John and his wife Nancy had a life-long love of Cape Cod, where they had a house in Brewster. John enjoyed sailing and entertaining his many friends and visitors. Together John and Nancy founded the Brewster Bookstore in 1982. This was Nancy’s labor of love until her death in 2011. The bookstore became a main focus of John’s attention after his retirement in 2013, and he could frequently be found at store events in his distinctive red and white striped “Where’s Waldo” costume.

John is the father of David Landon, Katherine Cathey, Peter Landon, late Martha O’Neill and the late Susan Landon. Grandfather of Susan Skelsey, Rachael Berger, Jennifer Landon, and Bryce Cathey. Great grandfather to Madeline Skelsey.

As a result of the ongoing and ever developing health crisis in the world and with genuine concern for the people whom they love, John’s family has decided his services will be private. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Brewster Ladies Library, 1822 Main Street, Brewster, MA  02621.