John J. McAleese, Jr.

John J. McAleese, Jr., 89, of Malvern, PA passed away on October 6, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on August 8, 1934 to Mabel G. and John J. McAleese.

Jack, a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, is survived by his loving wife, Margaret, his three children, Janet F. Coady (Paul), Kathleen M. Hoerner (Tim) and John J. McAleese, III (Jennifer), twelve grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Jack graduated from his beloved St. Joseph’s Prep in 1951 and then received a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Villanova University in 1955. He served in the United States Navy after college as an officer on the U.S.S. Perry and as a professor at Officer Candidate School. Upon completion of his military service and honorable discharge, he attended Georgetown University Law Center, graduating in 1962. While at Georgetown Law, Jack was selected to be a member of Alpha Sigma Nu, the Jesuit Honor Society. He began the practice of law at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius in Philadelphia as a labor and employment attorney. Several years later, Jack and two colleagues opened the law firm of Cunniff, Bray and McAleese. Jack’s devotion to his clients and relentless work ethic helped to build the reputation and success of the firm rapidly. One of his proudest moments came in 1982 when he argued a case in front of the United States Supreme Court, which his clients won in a 7-2 decision.

Although retiring from the firm of McAleese, Susanin, Widman and Brennan and the full-time practice of law in 2004, he continued as trustee of several pension and retirement funds. Even in retirement Jack pursued his love of the law by reading US Supreme Court decisions and providing counsel and advice to former associates and colleagues.

What Jack loved most, though, was spending time with his family, and especially the love of his life, his wife of 67 years, Marge. Jack and Marge knew each other from the age of 13 and they were married upon their college graduation. They greatly enjoyed spending time together on the beach in Avalon with their children, on the golf course and watching the Phillies, Villanova basketball and professional golf. An avid golfer, he was a member of Aronimink Golf Club for 55 years, as well as Applebrook Golf Club and Willoughby Golf Club in Stuart, Florida. He loved to attend the sporting events of his children and grandchildren, and enjoyed their successes much more than his own.

“JJ” will be remembered by his children, grandchildren and friends as someone who was always there for them when they needed help, advice or just someone with whom to talk. His wisdom, personality and presence helped many people. He will be missed dearly.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his visitation on Friday, October 13, 2023 from 9:30 to 11:00 am in the Church of St. Norbert Parish, 6 Greenlawn Road Paoli, Pennsylvania followed by the funeral Mass at 11:00 am. Burial to follow at Calvary Cemetery in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania.