John Nesbitt

John William Nesbitt, 83, of Port Washington, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Feb. 11, 2023.

He was born to William and Marian (nee Thompson) Nesbitt in Milwaukee on June 12, 1939.

He married Carla Appel, and together they had a long, beautiful marriage. Carla passed away on July 19, 2021.

John attended University of Wisconsin-Madison and graduated with his Ph.D. in history.

He poured himself into his life’s work and served the Byzantinist community for more than 50 years. John worked for the prestigious Dumbarton Oaks Research Library and Museum and developed their Byzantinist program. He was a respected and well published historian.

He and his wife traveled extensively throughout the world for pleasure and work.

John will be remembered for his wonderful sense of humor, kindness and helpfulness to his family and professional colleagues.

He will be missed within the Byzantinist community that he mentored and supported in the field of Byzantine sigillography.

John’s memory will be treasured by his nieces Marian Ballos, Victoria Johnson and Kathleen Krueger, as well as his great-niece and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Carla Appel and sister Marian Bresnick.

No service of life, just a small family gathering.

A special thank you to John’s colleagues for their thoughtfulness and support.