Born in Cornwall, NY, raised in Buffalo, NY, and later Wilmington, DE, he was the second son of a large Irish-American family. He graduated from Archmere Academy (the same Catholic high school Joe Biden attended) and the Colorado School of Mines. In Golden, CO he met his wife Jean and other lifelong friends. Finishing his degree in Geological Engineering, he served in the US Army Corps of Engineers before his first mining job in Butte, MT. His career as a professional mining engineer spanned four decades. With Placer Development and later Teck Corporation, he visited many countries including Bolivia, Central African Republic, Chile, Guyana, Honduras, Iran, Mexico, Phillipines, Peru, Venezuela, and Sweden. He was involved in several mines in Canada (Afton, Bullmoose Coal, Craigmont, David Bell, Highmont, Klondike Placer, Voisey Bay). Retiring in 1997, he began a second career as Exemplary Patriarch, building unique relationships with each of his six children, 13 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. When not busy with family activities, he enjoyed classical and fiddle music, fine art, golf, researching family history, and growing deep and spirited friendships with people from many walks of life. His courtesy, humility and respect for other cultures made him a welcomed guest in places as far away as Israel, Kiribati, Labrador, Malaysia and Zambia. He was a wise elder in his parish and community.

He is survived by his sister Ellen, his cousin Marian Gilligan, ex-wife Jean, sons John Jr. (Kate) and Kevin, daughters Kathleen, Meg, Mary and Jeanette (Mike), and many loving grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He loved his nine American nieces and nephews, always remembering their birthdays. Because of the time, energy and values he shared with his grandchildren, his legacy lives on in their families and communities. His message, taught by example, was of non-judgemental love, devotion to heritage, and the dedication to live an honest, meaningful, and spiritual life. He brought a sense of decency to the world.

His family thanks all those who offered their support to help us accept the sudden exit of the man we loved so dearly. His was a real “Irish Goodbye.” In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army Harbour Lights or the L’Arche Foundation. Celebration of Life to be announced.