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Timothy Deely's tribute page:

John Richard Deely


Total Number of Gifts: 30
Total Value of Gifts: $2,650.00

Recent Donors

Mr. & Mrs. Herbert H. Schneider

Suzanne and Jim Black

Mr and Mrs Stephen Obletz and family

Nigel and Caren Martin

nell and jim kelly

Anne Martin ( Robert Tredway)

Mary and Jeff Babione

david and maureen furjanic

John and Jane Ames

Anonymous

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John Deely's Struggle with Alzheimers

The Alzheimers Association was a source of great information and guidance during John's struggle with this illness. The Deely family asks that all donations be made to:

Alzheimer's Association
1160 Pepsi Place, Suite 306
Charlottesville, VA 22901
http://www.alz.org/cwva

John was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2002 at the age of 68. His family had noticed a change in his memory and behavior so they sought the help of the specialists at the University of Virginia School of Medicine. Although the diagnosis explained the changes they noticed, the news foretold a challenging future for him and his family. He was treated with medications which helped his wife Lois care for him until he was eventually admitted to Whispering Pines nursing home near his home in Luray, Virginia. John's family struggled with the decision to admit him to long term care but the disease had progressed to the point that his care needed the expertise of a trained and caring staff.
John quietly passed away March 1, 2010 in the company of his loving wife Lois and his children. They will miss him immensely but they know he is finally at peace.

John's Life

John was born in 1934 in Philadelphia Pennsylvania to Thomas and Mary Deely. He was their third son, preceded by Thomas and Edward. He grew up in Philly and eventually graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point New York as part of the Class of 1958.

Just prior to entering "The Point" he met Lois Harding, the love of his life. They were married in June of 1958. John (Sean) was born the following July, followed in short order by Tim, Colin, Mary, Megan and Brendan. Together John and Lois raised six children through two tours in Vietnam and numerous postings around the country. They had one overseas posting in Panama.

John retired from the Army in 1985 and started a second career with L&W Supply. He retired from L&W in 1995 and moved to Luray to a life of leisure in the Shenandoah Valley.

John, the man

John loved his family. He adored his wife, loved his sons and worshiped his daughters. He possessed a boundless vocabulary which he tested every day whiling away on crossword puzzles and other word games. He loved a good laugh and he enjoyed playfully tormenting his kids and grandchildren. Tennis was his game. He would rise at pre-dawn hours to do battle on the court. He could pull off a toast with a grace and ease that left his children speechless and the room laughing and crying. He befriended everyone he met except those who happened to offend his friends or family. He never spoke ill of anyone. Never. His smile had a hint of mischief and his laugh was genuine and warm and contagious. His lap belonged to his grandchildren who adored him. He had the warmest hug.

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Records 1 - 25 of 30

Harvey Jahn
Thu, Mar 11, 2010
Second New Cadet Company abruptly became home for the first two months of Beast Barracks. John was also in the same squad as I, where shower formations replaced tennis for sporting activity!Tennis was a good headsup for the sweating, however, which was required for the rite of passage. Even then it was obvious that John was a fine model for others, to which the mass in his honor Saturday last in Luray gave testimony -- by his many friends,including many West Point classmates, his wife, Lois, his six children, twenty grandchildren and the aura that pervaded the celebration of his life. John's life indeed was a tribute to him and a gift to those who knew him even if only for a short time. May His peace be with John and the many who obviously loved him very much.

John Shetler
Tue, Mar 09, 2010
A true man, a true competitor and a great friend whenever you needed someone. I never saw John after graduation but I will never forget the four years we had together above the Hudson struggling, laughing and helping each other. As Norm said, the picture of Lois was always there and revered. John will be missed tremendously. God bless you Lois for all you did for John in his final days.

Tina Judge
Mon, Mar 08, 2010
We will miss Uncle John so much. The last time I saw Uncle John was the Harding Reunion and he was surrounded by children, laughing and hanging on every word he said. This is how I always remembered Uncle John. We would have our summer vacations at Ocean City and all of us would flock to him to hear his jokes and his constant teasing of the Deely kids. He will be missed but I know he is a peace now and joking with my MOM.

Norm Monson
Mon, Mar 08, 2010
That infectious grin, the shock of red hair, the freckles and the ever-present photograph of Lois smiling back at him from his desk are the kind of memories that will keep John forever with us as we all move down the Long Gray Line.

Ken Herberger
Mon, Mar 08, 2010
John and family,
We were blessed to have your husband and Dad for a classmate. He has left a great family to carry on the beautiful history he has begun. May you enjoy the beauty of the memories that he helped you to create.
"Be Thou at Peace,"

Tom Claffey
Mon, Mar 08, 2010
We are blessed to have had you in our lives, John Deely . . .

Ken Lohr
Mon, Mar 08, 2010
John always had that quick smile and infectious laugh. What a pleasure to be around him and share his wonderful personality. I will never forget the time during a tank exercise when John was standing tall in the turret with his upper body sticking out. The tank behind his followed too closely and fired a blank 90mm. The debris was all over him, and he just laughed and laughed. What a great guy!!!!!! May he rest in peace, and may Lois be strong in spite of her loss.

Palmer McGrew
Sun, Mar 07, 2010
Jack, as we called him then, was the first classmate I met at West Point. Actually, I met him at the ferry across the Hudson from the train, in his case, from Philadelphia. The train was late, the ferry was late, and the last bus had already left for the day. Somehow we talked the bus company into getting us there. With his bright red hair, he was easy to spot and remember so I had a new friend who was to stay a great buddy for many years. We both dated our future wives for the entire four years at the "monastary." At the Pentagon we met in the handball court. It's been my pleasure to know Jack/John for most of my life.

Julie Gary
Sun, Mar 07, 2010
John Deely was a wonderful man and I am honored to have known him and know his family. His funeral was packed and I am sure all of us as I enjoyed the memories of his remarkable life.

Jerry Mitchell, West Point Classmate
Sun, Mar 07, 2010
John was one of the good guys, always ready to do the right thing. He will be missed

Andy Andreson
Sun, Mar 07, 2010
A great friend and a great man. I will always remember the good times we had as aviators in the 25th Aviation Company, as well as many subsequent occasions - during your tenure at Scranton University, the Pentagon and of course our many visits at Fort Story. Truly a dear friend!

Pete Trainor, his classmate.
Sun, Mar 07, 2010
John, you will be missed.
Be thou at peace.

John Furjanic
Thu, Mar 04, 2010
Prayers to you Brendan & your family.

Nina Balzarini
Thu, Mar 04, 2010
Megan and family
Lovely tribute. With deepest sympathy.
Nina and family

Robbie Burlas
Thu, Mar 04, 2010
Tim - Your tribute is beautiful and absolutely captures your Dad. He has always been an example of what I wanted to be as a father, husband and a man.
I remember that he never missed a chance to come outside and spend time with us in whatever sport we were playing next to the house.
I remember being at your house two days before I reported into West Point and listening intently as he spoke to you and me "from above" (i.e. he was up in his recliner and we were sitting down at his feet). He described in precise detail what I was about to experience. However, in his own unique way, his descriotion had us laughing so hard our sides hurt. In fact, he was so funny that I actually left your houe excited about the 4 years of "fun" I was about to have. Of course, 2 days later I learned that the "fun" was code phrase for "allowing an Old Grad to have the last laugh". I am sure he had that mischievous grin as soon as I walked out the door...
And I remember how deeply he cared for his family and friends, in a way that made his friends actually feel like they were part of his family. I am sure that like many, many of your and your brothers' & sisters' friends, I loved him like a father and felt he had the same love for me.

Vanessa Haerle
Thu, Mar 04, 2010
Uncle John was a special person. He was always the one I wanted to be near during those family gatherings. I didn't want to miss all of the jokes and one liners! I'll miss you, Uncle John!
Vanessa

Joy and Mort Debs
Thu, Mar 04, 2010
Brendon and family,
Sorry to hear the news of you Dad. Thinking of you at this time.

Jason Thomas
Thu, Mar 04, 2010
I relate to the mischievous smile. That's what I will remember. Pick a Thanksgiving at my other Uncle John's house. Uncle John Deely always with a quick, playful, remark & a mischevious smile for anybody and everybody (I really enjoyed the ones for my sisters). You had no choice but to smile.
Miss You Uncle John!

Judy Harding Tucker
Thu, Mar 04, 2010
I have known John Deely since I was 8 years old, when he was dating my big sister Lois. I always believed I had a special bond with my brother-in-law John. He always teased me, he always laughed with me, and he always made me feel special. Now that I read what others have said, I realized he did that to everyone he loved. And John Deely loved us all. What a special guy he was, and how lucky are we to have known him and loved him. You will be missed Big Guy. Judy

Hank Oberly
Wed, Mar 03, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers to out Lois and all the kids and grandkids. What I'll remember the most is his friendly smile and bear hug. John was always in his glory surrounded by family.
John is at peace in heaven, smiling down on his wonderful family. Cherish the many years we all had with John. John is gone but not forgotten. Deb is looking forward to an awesome celebration this weekend. Peter, Brooke & I sadly cannot attend but will be there in spirit. God Bless

Mari Dunleavy Walker
Wed, Mar 03, 2010
Deely Kids,
I think by now you realize how lucky you all are...I have such fond memories of your parents, both of them, and how they enjoyed life and each other so much. They had a really unique and playful way of communicating. It was so easy to be around them. I can picture your Dad, Megan and Bub, just so sarcastic... and then dear Loie chiming in and giving it right back!! What a blessing that you guys were able to have such a fun and loving example.
And to Mrs. Deely,
There aren't too many people like you in this crazy world. He is so fortunate to have had your love and support. You have been and remain in my prayers.

Abigail Freedman Jackson
Wed, Mar 03, 2010
My Uncle John was a great man! I will miss his delightful smile and contagious laughter. I admire him immensely and will miss him tremendously. The world has lost a great man.

Cheryl Valentini
Wed, Mar 03, 2010
Dear Megan and family,
I am so sorry for your huge loss. You have always spoken of your father so highly. I know that you will miss him tremendously. Cheryl

James Kelly III
Wed, Mar 03, 2010
Uncle John will truly be missed. His laugh , smile, wit were the true gifts he shared with each and everyone of us that had the benefit of his "friendship". He was one of a kind and will be missed.....except by all the drivers on the turnpike since he had such excellent skills going 50 MPH....just the way he liked it. Luv ya all!

Cindi Harding Gilliford
Wed, Mar 03, 2010
John Deely was the best brother-in-law anyone could ever ask for. Because of the age difference between myself and John........I often thought of him as my Uncle, and Lois as my 2nd Mom. His sense of humor and quick wit, and ability to tease,always made me smile. He will be greatly missed. Beautiful tribute to your Dad Tim.

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