John E. McCloskey

John E. McCloskey, aged 86, most recently of Lansing, Michigan, peacefully entered into eternal rest with his Lord on October 27, 2024. Born on June 26, 1938, in Howell, Michigan, John was the beloved son of Dr. Gerald and Gertrude (Devereaux) McCloskey.

A natural athlete, John excelled in football, golf, and basketball at Howell High School, where he graduated in 1956. He went on to attend the University of Detroit, continuing his passion for sports by playing both football and golf, and earning his degree in 1960. That same year, he embarked on a successful career in the brokerage business in Detroit. He served in the Army and was honorably discharged in 1966.

In 1964, John married Julie Barden, and together they built a life filled with love and joy, raising two children, Tracy and John, and spending summers at the family cottage on Lake Huron in Grand Bend, Ontario. The family relocated to East Lansing in 1974, and John became a financial advisor with A.G. Edwards. He coached John’s basketball teams, cheered the kids on in their basketball and softball games, and enjoyed supporting the East Lansing High School Boosters and Optimist Club. John and Julie cherished 31 beautiful years of marriage until her passing in 1995.

In 1997, John found love again with Joanne Scott. Their life together was one of laughter, companionship, and adventure. Whether attending "Two-fer" dinners with friends, engaging in spirited card games, or embarking on cruises and trips to far-flung corners of the world, they made the most of every moment. In 2022, they settled at Red Cedar Lodge in Lansing, where they became cherished members of a vibrant social circle. John's love for golf, a good euchre game, and a lively Irish singalong endeared him to many.

John was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Julie, their infant sons Kevin and John, and his sister, Mary Kay Freeman. His legacy lives on in the hearts of those who survive him: his devoted wife, Joanne Scott-McCloskey; his children, John McCloskey, Jr. (Paula) and Tracy Todd (Rendel); his daughters Judy Balog (Vince) and Debbie Russo (Jason); and his brothers, Dick McCloskey (Joan), Tom McCloskey (Valerie), and Fr. Pat McCloskey, OFM. He will also be deeply missed by his grandchildren, Julianna Todd (and her fiancé, Colin McDowell), Rendel (RJ) Todd, Jr., Shannon McCloskey, John McCloskey III, Kate McCloskey, and Cecilia Balog; and many nieces and nephews.

John’s presence will forever be felt in the lives of all who were fortunate enough to know him. His strong Catholic faith, warmth, humor, and love for life are the gifts he leaves behind, alongside the cherished memories that will live on in those he held dear.

Funeral mass will be celebrated on Monday, November 4th at St. Martha Catholic Church located at 1100 W Grand River Ave, Okemos, MI 48864. Visitation will be at the church starting at 10:00 a.m, followed by an 11:00 a.m Mass. A luncheon will then follow the funeral mass, and burial will take place at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery at 2520 W Willow St, Lansing, MI 48917.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial gift to the Diocese of Lansing Outreach Mass for St. Thomas Aquinas, or St. Lawrence Hospice House of Mid-Michigan.