John Smyth Radcliffe MacKay Jr.'s Obituary
John Smyth Radcliffe MacKay, Jr. passed away on October 15, 2025 after a year-long battle with cancer. He was 69 years young.
John was born in Long Beach, California on November 18, 1955. He was lovingly adopted by John and Joan (Backus) MacKay. The family moved to the East Coast, and eventually settled in New Jersey. Already involved in ROTC, John joined the Navy immediately after graduating from Eastern HS in Gibbsboro, NJ. John was an active duty Corpsman for four years, beginning his journey in the medical department on the U.S.S. Nimitz. He spent an additional eight years in the reserves. During his years as a Corpsman, he worked in an emergency room, NICU, on an ambulance, and out in the field with other departments. This dedication, fast-paced decision making, and ability to work under pressure would be characteristics John carried throughout his life.
John was a born leader and teacher, who loved to continue learning himself. He was a web developer for the USNA, which fueled his thirst for always knowing where technology was heading. John extended his interest in computers outside of work, teaching in the computer lab at his home church, Woods Memorial Presbyterian in Severna Park. This Fall marked thirty years of teaching, spanning two generations of students in and out of his classroom. John was a leader while his son was in Boy Scout Troop 339, assisting with survival skills and camping trips. He was the kind of man that always wanted to help- volunteering for Drown Proofing classes, First Aid badges, and parent chaperone for his daughter’s local music concerts for an entire decade. After retiring, he even volunteered as Front Desk Associate for his daughter’s business, so he could greet guests and support the staff with anything they needed.
John entered his favorite role when he became ‘Grandpa John’ in 2015. He was incredibly present in the life of his granddaughter, while continuing to be the respected patriarch for his children. He was there to welcome his grandson in 2024, and played an irreplaceable role in his first year of life.
John was preceded in death by his parents, John and Joan MacKay.
John is survived by his two children, Christopher MacKay and Laura MacKay (Travis Guare) of Arnold, his two grandchildren, Harmony MacKay and Philip MacKay-Guare, his siblings, Sarah MacKay of North Carolina and Andy MacKay of Louisiana, and his former spouse Monique MacKay.
A memorial service will be held for John at Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church (611 Baltimore-Annapolis Boulevard, Severna Park, MD) on Saturday, November 1st at 1pm. A reception will follow at Parris Underground (497 Ritchie Highway Suite 1C, Severna Park, MD) at 2pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church:
What’s your fondest memory of John?
What’s a lesson you learned from John?
Share a story where John's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with John you’ll never forget.
How did John make you smile?