John P. Neary Service Information

John was born on October 12, 1941, to Anna and John Neary. He was raised with his four siblings, Ann, Joe, Pat, and Kathy, in Philadelphia. John is survived by his wife of 55 years, Irene, who was the love of his life, the person who kept him centered, and his devoted caregiver in recent years.  

Upon graduating from North Catholic High School, he worked at Sears & Roebuck before enlisting in the United States Army. John fondly recounted how the Army shaped him into the man he would become, teaching him discipline and leadership and fostering a profound sense of patriotism that he carried with him throughout his life. His children and grandchildren can attest to this as they were forced to endure Lee Greenwood's "God Bless the USA" and "Riding With Private Malone" by David Ball.

His first job following the Army would introduce him to the world of banking, which would inevitably be the industry that would encompass his career. At times John was a man of few words but was a great motivator and leader, extremely spirited and known for rallying the troops. He took pride in helping his employees (bear cubs) excel in their roles and advance their careers. Although he accomplished much, brokering the naming rights for CoreStates on the Sixers and Flyers' Stadium and the responsibility to guide the bank's funding of numerous community development organizations were his most cherished. His ability to help others make a difference in their communities was one of the most rewarding parts of his career.  

His proudest accomplishment was his four children, Lisa, Colleen, Jon, and Ryan. John selflessly gave his children the childhood he never had, working tirelessly to provide them a life filled with love that would help shape them into the adults and parents they would become. They never once doubted his affection for them because it ran deep. His bear hugs were all-encompassing, and his constant "I love you's" were his way of making them know their significance to him. He happily welcomed into the family his son-in-law's Jim and Glenn, and his daughter-in-law's Nicole and Tia. If his children were his greatest accomplishment, his grandchildren were his shining stars and the reason he continued to fight the good fight. Olivia, Faith, Miranda, Emma, Jessica, Jack, Sarah, Noah, Nolan, and Everly were his everything.

He was passionate about reading, often multiple books at any given time, and an avid fan of Philadelphia Sports Teams. His favorite day of the year was Christmas, as he was a dedicated shopper who always sought the perfect gift and a master wrapper as his biggest thrill was to see the reaction of those on the receiving end of his generosity. He loved vacationing with his family in Ocean City, New Jersey. He would finish each day sitting at the water's edge, reading a book, watching his grandkids play, and capping the night off with a Kohr's vanilla and orange twist cone on the boardwalk.

His family and friends will miss him dearly but can take comfort because John lived his life on his terms. He was brave and courageous, and he chose (as the great Kenny Rogers sang) when to fold them. He is our hero.  
 

John never met a charity he didn't like, so in lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of his favorites: Wounded Warrior Project or Shriners Hospitals for Children.

Send Flowers And Gifts