John P. McHale, age 91, passed away peacefully at his home in The Villages, Florida, on Tuesday, July 29, 2025.
Known affectionately as Jack or Jackie to his family and friends, he is survived by four children: John McHale Jr. and his wife Betty, Paul McHale, Marianne Byron and her husband Rich, and Jeff McHale and his wife Billie. He was a proud grandfather to ten grandchildren and great-grandfather to fifteen great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 66 years, Marlene R. Delmar McHale, who passed in 2019; his son, Michael McHale; and grandson, Michael McHale Jr.
Born and raised in Scranton, Pennsylvania, Jack graduated from St. Ann’s High School in 1952, where he earned local fame for his athletic talent—particularly in basketball. Nicknamed “King of the Court,” Jack once scored 74 points in a single game against Honesdale Catholic, a Pennsylvania state record that stood until 1960 when it was broken by Wilt Chamberlain. In recognition of his achievements, Jack was inducted into the Northeast Pennsylvania Hall of Fame in 1989.
A natural athlete and scratch golfer, Jack retired to The Villages in 1996 after a long career with Bell Telephone (now Verizon). He was an enthusiastic fan of college football, cheering loyally for Penn State, Notre Dame, Kentucky, and Georgia.
Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Tuesday, August 5, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Beyers Funeral Home, 134 N US Hwy 441, Lady Lake, FL 32159. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Timothy’s Catholic Church, 1351 Paige Place, Lady Lake, FL 32159, on Wednesday, August 6, at 8:30 a.m., followed by interment at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens in Leesburg, FL.
In lieu of Flowers, please send donations to:
• Cornerstone Hospice-601 Casa Bella The Villages, FL 32612.
• Tunnels to Towers-2361 Hyland Boulevard Statton Island, NY. 10306
• St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital