John J. McGroarty, Jr.

John Joseph McGroarty Jr. of New Britain, PA passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 18th, 2024, surrounded by his family and loved ones. Born June 6th, 1942, to Evelyn and John McGroarty Sr, he was one of four children born in Philadelphia, PA and later raised in Horsham, PA.

John received his Bachelor of Arts Degree from LaSalle University, a Master’s and Doctoral Degree in Education from Temple University, after which he taught in the Bucks County School District for 36 years. John was a man of deep faith, an observant Irish Catholic who served as a Eucharist minister for St. Jude Church in Chalfont, a teacher for the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD), and one who cultivated deep and life-long friendships with parishioners and members of the clergy. He regularly donated to charitable organizations and was a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Division 03.

Ever a teacher, John loved being involved in his kids' lives and activities. He served as a soccer coach, a baseball coach, a football booster club president, a bocce coach, and a long-time supporter of Bucks County Special Olympics.

John was married to Jane for 53 years and she was his remarkable caretaker as his health declined. He had incredibly close friendships with the McGroarty and Stiglitz sides of the family, a fact that resonates and inspires the children that they raised. Watching his children grow and then watching them start their own families was a source of great pride. He loved the trips to see family in Western PA, at Dickinson, and Penn State, and that camaraderie that was a driving force in his life. He taught in many ways, often by example, that material things are of little value – that laughter, love, friends, and family are what defines you – and what you will leave behind.

John will be remembered for many things: his sense of humor and willingness to laugh at himself, his dedication to learning and education, his open-mindedness and compassion, his faith and Irish Catholic roots, his playfulness with his kids and grandkids, his unwavering support of his family and friends, and last but definitely not least, his remarkable Donald Duck impersonation, which delighted everyone lucky enough to hear it. He will be dearly missed by all those who knew him.

John is preceded in death by his sister Mary and his parents – Evelyn and John Sr. John is survived by his brother James, sister Rosaleen, wife Jane, three sons, Michael & wife Amy, Patrick, Chris & his wife Lindsay, his daughter Janelle, and his seven grandchildren – Brenden, Braylee, Nicole, Carson, Chase, Kaija, and Rhys.

A viewing will be held at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart (100 Broad Street, Hilltown Township, PA 18927) on Friday Oct. 4 th at 10 a.m., followed by a mass service at the same location starting at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please send any donations to Bucks County Special Olympics or Central Bucks Special Friends. Donations can be made online at https://support.specialolympics.org and selecting the memorial gift option, or sent to the locations listed below.

Special Olympics Bucks County c/o Dorothy Grow 1101 Tennis Avenue Bensalem, PA 19020

Central Bucks Special Friends c/o Joann Matullo 56 Radcliffe Drive Doylestown, PA 18901