John Martin McHale, Jr.

John Martin McHale, Jr., of Frederick, MD, aged 81- John, Dad, and Pop to his loving family and many friends - passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, August 11 after a long illness, surrounded by his wife, sons, and daughters-in-law.

He was predeceased by his mother Mary McHale (Campbell) and father John Martin McHale, Sr.; sisters Peggy, Mary Ann, Dorothea, and Ginny; his brother Peter; and his beloved nephew Peter Jr. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Rita (Volpe) and their sons John Martin McHale III and wife Meghan of Waltham, Massachusetts and Tom McHale, Sr. and wife Jeanette of Kensington, Maryland; three grandchildren: Tommy, Patrick, and Maggie; nieces Sharon Cowher and Christine Frank and nephews John, Michael, and Dan McHale and Robert De Lissio; as well as many cousins, grand- and great-nieces and grand- and great-nephews.

John McHale, Jr. was a deeply loved husband, father, uncle, cousin, brother, and friend. He has been a rock to many, a comfort to those in pain, and a positive influence to those he taught. He had your back. And no matter what, he prayed for you. 

In Dad’s best moments he led by example, mentoring the young, coaching CYO basketball, and helping those in need. His career was bookended by service positions. After college at Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, John took a position as a teacher and guidance counselor at Bishop Eustace High School in New Jersey. At the other end of his working years, he retired from the Woods Services, an organization dedicated to providing residential services to the developmentally disabled. John loved that job more than any other because he was helping those who could not help themselves. He was quite proud of the work Woods did for many, many people you will never hear about.

His loves in life were his family, his faith, and his music. Family was everything. Dad/Pop rarely missed a basketball, baseball, or football game, rugby match, or field hockey tournament. John’s children and grandchildren had no bigger fan. A former teacher with an M.A. from Villanova University, his best lessons were the examples he set by sacrificing for family and friends and showing kindness to those in need. 

John’s strong tenor voice led him to be a soloist for the St. Joseph’s University glee club. He loved musical theater and often sang his way through the day. But Irish music was his sweet spot. John hit the difficult notes of songs like “Danny Boy” with perfection. Singing Irish music to and with his friends was his favorite pastime. Fittingly, the moment he passed he was accompanied by his favorite Irish ditty, “When Irish Eyes Are Smiling.”

He was our Dad, but to so many others he was a friend, stand-in parent, coach, leader, mentor, amateur woodworker, flower planter, golfer, thrower of parties, lover of John Wayne movies, Philadelphia sports fan, Big 5 Basketball follower, and devout Catholic. 

We invite you all to share pictures or memories. It was his wish that we laugh and reminisce and smile together during this time.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Ignatius of Loyola Catholic Church, 4103 Prices Distillery Road, Ijamsville, Maryland, on Saturday, August 17 at 12 p.m. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at St. Ignatius. In lieu of flowers, donations in John’s memory may be made to Camilla Hall, the Convent Home and Healthcare Center of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Please visit https://ihmimmaculata.org/mission-ministry/camilla-hall/ to give.