John E. Nigro, II
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John E. Nigro, II, 76, of Shawnee, Kansas, passed away on August 8, 2025. A Celebration of Life will be held at 1pm, Saturday, August 16, 2025 at Shawnee Mission Unitarian Universalist Church, 9400 Pflumm Rd, Lenexa, Kansas 66215. There will be a reception immediately following the service. Memorial contributions may be made to The Center for Recorded Music (C4RM), wwww.centerforrecordedmusic.org.
John was born April 8, 1949, in Kansas City, Missouri to John and Eleanor Nigro. He grew up in Prairie Village, Kansas and graduated from Shawnee Mission East High School in 1967. He met many of his life long friends at Emporia State University. John was a music fan from an early age. Most of his high school and college friends were musicians. He attended many concerts and music festivals. In recent years his favorite outings were to the Listyning Room, an extension of the Center for Recorded Music, a music non-profit preserving recorded music and encouraging social listening.
He enjoyed a long career with the US Department of Education where he specialized in expanding and protecting the civil rights of individuals with disabilities. This remained a passion for him throughout his retirement years. John was a guest of the White House twice. In 1983, he received an accolade from Ronald Regan. On July 26, 1990 he was present for the signing ceremony of the Americans With Disabilities Act by George H.W. Bush.
John is preceded in death by his parents; brothers Tony and Jimmy; sister Maria; sisters-in-law Sabrina and Lori; and daughter Danielle. He is survived by his wife Sharon (Kivlin) Nigro; daughter Leslie Moreland and husband Josh; son-in-law Derek Myers; grandchildren Valyrie, Dean and Oliver; and many close friends.
I am so sad to hear of John’s passing. My mom Cris Whalen loved working with him and he was such a sweet guy when I would come in and visit my mom. I know they are both in heaven giving each other a hard time.
OMG!!! John and I were very close in high school and stayed in touch on FB. I am so so sorry to hear this. I’m seeing this for the first time and my heart is breaking not only for me, but for his lovely family and friends. Unfortunately I won’t be able to attend Saturday and that makes me even sadder. He was such a good person and will be GREATLY missed by so many. Hugs and love to his family.
So sorry to hear of John’s passing! He will be missed.
Sorry to hear of John’s passing! He was a great teacher and friend..
My Uncle John was the coolest person I knew and will be dearly missed. He also saw Jimi Hendrix in Oklahoma way back! I admired his taste for music and wine. I find solace in him being reunited with his daughter, brothers, sister, and parents. Long live John Nigro. -Toni (Nigro) & Graham Brassfield
I met John in 1970 as did so many of us while studying and debauching in Emporia, Kansas. Many of us rode with John to Pittsburgh, Kansas in 1971 for perhaps the worst pop festival ever held, andwhich also became one of the greatest times ever had. John had that capacity molding the situation for maximum fun.
I rendezvoused with John in Santa Fe, New Mexico sometime around 1974 where we carried on, and, well, I’ll just leave it at that.
Such a stellar guy, courageous as hell and remarkably hilarious to boot.
I haven’t seen John since, well probably since Santa Fe but I have always had a warm spot in my heart
And an endless supply of memories for the rascal. I know that he was instrumental in ADA development and he was a maestro of always great music throughout his life. I haven’t seen John for over 50 years, but I still will miss him and the impact of his friendship on so many of us.
I remember his smile. Sending hugs to everyone in the family. I’m praying for your comfort.
Since I know John only through his sister, Holly, I know he was loved by his whole family and will be greatly missed. RIP, John.
When I think of John, I think first of his smile. Seems to me he was always smiling. Not always the same smile. Sometimes it was mischievous. Sometimes it was sly. Sometimes it was joyful. But he was always smiling and it was always a genuinely John smile. I met John in Emporia. It was a good time. I won’t share more than that. John was a genuinely fine man, a beautiful soul, and a wonderful human being. Peace to you my friend. Happy trails.
John was a great friend. We worked together for more than 30 years at the Office for Civil Rights, US Department of Education. John taught me many things and helped me sensitize others to the needs and abilities of those with disabilities. We had many discussions together about how to process numerous civil rights complaints and compliance reviews. We also made presentations together. Thank you John for sharing your life with us and making this world a better place for all. We’ll miss you.
Very sorry to hear. Always remember him and 🙏 for his family.
He was so cool! And he loves to watch sports football.
Sharon, Leslie and family,
Please know you are in our continued thoughts and prayers.
May you find love, light, peace and comfort in the loving memories of your beloved John and Danielle.
With deepest sympathy,
Bren Vernon and Marty Shumaker
John was such a wonderful participant with his love of music, he always had a smile and story to share with the other “Listyners”. We are honored to be tied to his memory and will miss seeing him at our shows.