John was born in Barnamaghery, County Down, Northern Ireland, at the tail end of the Great Depression and with World War II on the horizon. John grew up in rural Ireland and was an avid football player before embarking for an adventure with his childhood and lifelong friend, Patrick Miskelly (RIP). Together they sailed for Canada in 1962 making their way to Toronto. John was later joined in Toronto by his sister Kathleen and his brother Gerard and their families. John found employment with C.N. Rail and retired from the company after 33 years.

In his retirement, John pursued his creative interests by learning to play piano, crafting stained glass pieces, and taking up the art of Bunka Shishu – Japanese punch embroidery and thread painting. John also used his retirement years to visit with family members in Ireland, New York, and Calgary.

John was predeceased by his father, Mark, and his beloved mother, Mary (née Brolly), his brothers Mark, William, and Gerard, his sisters Moia and Mary, his brother-in-law Declan, and his grandnieces Meaghan and Holly. John will be dearly missed by his brothers Pat (Gertie) and Dan (Bridie), his sister Kathleen, and his sister-in-law Geraldine. John was a wonderful uncle to Kevin, Karen (Jim), Fiona (Jason), Catherine (Dave), Rosemary, Damian (Laura), Michael, and Stephen (Chloe). John was a truly great uncle to his many grand nephews and nieces – Sean Patrick (Ana), Cahal, Fintan, Aoibhin, Dearbhaila, Caoimhe, Shannon, Conlan, Bennett, Alex, Emma, Georgia, and Ethan. Family was important to John and he was loved very much.

John’s family would like to thank the nurses and doctors at Sunnybrook Hospital for their care and compassion. A special thank you to Dr. David and Dr. Silver for their dedication to John’s health over many years.

A funeral mass will be held at Blessed Sacrament (24 Cheritan Avenue, Toronto) on Thursday January 5, 2023 at 11:00 AM. A one-hour visitation at 10:00 AM will precede the funeral mass. A private cremation will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Sunnybrook Foundation or Good Shepherd Ministries.

Funeral services have been entrusted to York Funeral Centre.