John P. Rashid

John Philip Rashid was born in Detroit, Michigan on September 10, 1951 to Judge Joseph G. Rashid and Ann Louise (Malane) Rashid. John died in Allen Park, Michigan surrounded by loved ones on April 11, 2023. A Catholic educator in every respect, John served in Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Detroit as a teacher, principal, and associate superintendent. While principal of Christ the Good Shepherd in Lincoln Park, John also fulfilled the roles of church organist, choir director, director of art and environment, and sacristan. When he worked at St. Alphonsus in Dearborn – his alma mater – he was principal of the grade school and high school concurrently. A theologist and liturgist to his core, John was infamous for instilling a sense of reverence in his students. He wrote and directed legendary pageants that reminded all in attendance of the true meaning of Christmas. As a steward of young people, he believed in discipline and order, but he also wore a large key ring with dozens of jangling keys on his belt to give students ample warning of his approach. He cared deeply for his students and their families, guiding them through difficult times, supporting them to reach their full potential, and challenging them to stretch themselves. John also loved to have fun with his students, raucously playing the piano during halftime at basketball games and cheering through a megaphone at outdoor events. His stern “principal look” faded away on his annual trips with students to Washington, DC, where he led singing on the bus and served as an expert tour guide, especially at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. As a capstone to his career, John became an associate superintendent of the Archdiocese of Detroit, imparting his vast knowledge from the classroom and from school administration to strengthen Catholic schools throughout the region. When he moved from Dearborn to East Lansing following his retirement, he continued his service to the Catholic Church by working in faith formation roles and by leading the decorating committees within local parishes. As much as John did as an educator and within the Church, nothing compared with the lengths he went to for his family and friends. For more than a decade, John was a caregiver to his mother and his aunts May and Rose. He prepared elaborate feasts for his large family several times a year and also hosted gatherings of his colleagues and friends. He not only provided the sustenance, but also the entertainment, playing songs at the piano and getting all present to join in singing. His attention to detail was impeccable, leaving his guests feeling lavished upon by his thought and care. John is survived by his siblings, Joseph (Patricia), Robert (Elizabeth), James (the late Ann Macey), Mary (Thomas Sklut), Joanne Harper (Glenn), and Ann Johnson (Karl); nieces and nephews Jason Harper (Lindsey), Ruth Kaleniecki (Aaron), Joseph Harper, Daniel Rashid (Jade Wandell), Thomas Rashid Sklut (Kristen Gasieski), Katie Rashid, Erika Beehler (Robert), Anna Rashid Sklut, Jennifer Bingham (Dennis), Johnny Rashid Sklut (Stormie Perez), James Rashid, Jr. (Josh Madding), and Melissa Johnson; and great nieces and nephews Ralph and Charles Kaleniecki; Lexi and Jason Jr. Harper; Nora, Sylvia, and Rose Sklut; and Lily, Josiah, and Hezekiah Beehler. He was preceded in death by his brother and closest companion, Thomas Rashid. A visitation for John will be held on Sunday, April 16, 2:00-8:00 PM with a Scripture service at 7:00 pm at Stanley Turowski Funeral Home, 25509 West Warren, Dearborn Heights, Michigan. John will lie in state on Monday, April 17 at 9:30 AM at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church, 467 Fairford, Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan, until the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM. The Mass will be livestreamed at https://www.olsos.org. Interment will be Tuesday, April 18 at 10:00 AM at St. Hedwig Cemetery, 23755 Military Road, Dearborn Heights, Michigan. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Adrian Dominican Sisters, the Solanus Casey Center, to a local Catholic school, or to a charity of your choosing.