John James Neary died unexpectedly in his sleep during the early morning hours of Oct. 4 in the home he loved in Tahoe City. He was born in San Francisco. John was the husband of Patricia Helen Neary, his loving and devoted wife of 47 years, who survives him. John and Pat were childhood friends, first meeting as 13-year-olds while walking to Frank’s Pizzeria in Millbrae. John was the proud father of Jason and Sean.
John was a highly respected, naturally gifted school teacher. He retired from education in 2005, spending his days on and around his beloved Lake Tahoe. He played with his dogs, boated with his children and wife, hosted countless friends and family, and enjoyed this period of rest and reflection. Missing the youngsters, and knowing that his candle still burned brightly, he returned to education as principal of Truckee High School in 2011 and 2012, and then as athletic director at North Tahoe High School in 2013 and 2014. He was always a favorite of the students and staff as he was deeply compassionate, approachable, non-judgmental, and always available to support a student or adult in need.
My dad was an incredibly passionate man who positively impacted the lives of thousands of young people in the Bay Area and North Lake Tahoe. His greatest loves were his family, education, children, theatre, animals, and public service. He was an expert in all things dog related and could always pick the winners of the Westminster Kennel Club. The Nearys always had animals, including a number of show dogs that John handled himself in hundreds of dog shows throughout the western United States.
The Neary home was always a warm and inviting place where masses of family and friends would regularly gather to celebrate special occasions and holidays. John and Pat were affectionately called Mom and Dad by countless numbers of their sons’ friends and others in the community that needed them. Their home and hearts were always open to someone needing a place to spend Thanksgiving or Christmas, and those boisterous celebrations provided John with some of his favorite moments. His large physical presence, loud belly laughs, and booming voice were a staple at these gatherings.
John was truly a renaissance man with a broad array of interests who lived life to its fullest. He left an enormous mark on this Earth and will be missed terribly by his family, friends, and the entire North Lake Tahoe community.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Boys & Girls Club of North Lake Tahoe and the Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe.
~ Jason Neary is John Neary’s oldest son.
