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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.