JOHN FRANCIS DEALY
No one can deny that John was a deeply blessed man. From his many stories of family, friends, and work, it never escaped me that he was a man that loved, cared, and had a profound commitment for everyone he met and everything he did - There was simply no one to whom he would have not given advice and direction. He encouraged, taught, or mentored anyone willing to sit with him. John was selfless.
I have wanted to post something earlier about my time with John, but, I have to admit that every moment I thought of writing something, my eyes welled up with tears. Yet, knowing John, he would have turned to me, smiled, and encouraged me to just write it.
I believe the true beginning of my relationship with John occurred while I was in Prescott, Arizona. One fateful day while in Arizona completing commercial flight courses, my cell phone rang. It was John. He was in his Washington DC offices with my, now, darling wife, Michele. John said, "M.J., this is John Dealy". Everyone knows he always referred to himself that way. He went on to say, "What are you doing in Arizona away from this wonderful woman of yours? You should be home with her . . ." Although I already knew him, this was truly the day that I formally met and discovered the man, John Francis Dealy.
Over the years I enjoyed his company and his many stories. John never missed an opportunity to engage me in conversation - mostly one-sided, but, I genuinely preferred it that way.
I believe John will remain eternally etched in our minds and hearts as a dad, a friend, companion, and storyteller. He will be forever etched in mine. And, Michele and I will keep a picture of John that we took of him on his boat on our fireplace bookshelf. It was clear to me that John was a doer and lived a selfless life. In my estimation, John was at his best and happiest being there for others.
God Bless You, John
