| John J. McErlean |
| April 29, 1938 - October 3, 2025 |
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Public Events and LocationsViewing - Friday, October 10, 2025, 9:00 to 10:45 AM at St. Joseph Church, WarringtonFuneral Mass - Friday, October 10, 2025, 11:00 AM at St. Joseph Church, Warrington Graveside Service - Friday, October 10, 2025, 1:00 PM at Resurrection Cemetery, Bensalem Military Honors - Friday, October 10, 2025, 1:00 PM at Resurrection Cemetery, Bensalem |
ContactsMetropolitan Funeral Service - 501 Easton Road, Willow Grove, PA 19090 - 215-659-6400 - Map |
| St. Joseph Church - 1795 Columbia Avenue, Warrington, PA 19876 - 215-672-3020 - Map |
| Resurrection Cemetery - 5201 Hulmeville Road, Bensalem, PA 19020 - 215-639-0965 - Map |
| LeRoy’s Flowers and Gifts, Inc - 409 West County Line Road, Hatboro, PA 19040 - 215-323-5407 - Map |
| Donation - Legacy of Life - 25 South Main Street, #217, Yardley, PA 19067 - 215-788-4051 - Map |
The following was composed by Jack’s family:
John J. “Jack” McErlean, age 87, of Warrington, Pennsylvania, passed away on October 3, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
Born in Philadelphia, PA in 1938, Jack was the beloved son of the late John J. McErlean and Dorothy White McErlean. A proud graduate of North Catholic High School, Jack went on to serve his country honorably in the United States Navy. Following his service, he attended Temple University and spent his professional life running successful businesses, guided by his strong work ethic, unwavering faith, and integrity.
Jack was predeceased by his cherished wife, Ita (Higgins) McErlean, with whom he shared 60 wonderful years—a lifetime of love, faith, and devotion; his beloved daughter, Teresa Ann; his parents, John and Dorothy McErlean; and his sister, Margaret Mary “Peg” Cloud.
He is survived by his devoted children: Patrick (Aleida), Maureen Grimes, Marybeth Canally (Christopher), Tara Liekkio (Paavo), and Sean (Renee). Jack was a proud and loving Poppy to Kelsey, Vincent, Patrick “Joey,” Keghan, Colin, Finn-Patrick, Madison, Sean Jr., Grace, and Ryan, and great-grandfather to Vincent, Leyla, and Luke.
Jack is also survived by his sister-in-law, Patricia Anna Lowrey (London, England); his brother-in-law, Michael Leo Higgins (County Sligo, Ireland); and his very dear sister-in-law, Margaret “Josie” Padden(Philadelphia, PA), who he considered like a sister. He leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and countless dear friends who loved and supported him throughout his life.
A man of deep faith and Irish pride, Jack found great joy in his family, his friendships, and his community. He was a devoted father, poppy, and friend. Together, they enjoyed many games, summers in Sea Isle City, good food, and endless stories and laughter. Jack was also a loyal Philadelphia sports fan, cheering faithfully for the Eagles and Phillies, and he loved following college basketball and football.
Throughout his life, Jack was a friend and mentor to many—maintaining close ties with childhood companions, Navy brothers, his 12-step community and lifelong friends. He lived a life of service, humility, and leadership, helping countless people find hope, healing, and faith through his example. The community that gathered around him continues to thrive because of his compassion, strength, and devotion to others.
His family is profoundly grateful for the love, care, and friendship shown to Jack, especially in recent months by those who helped care for him.
Relatives and friends are invited to his Viewing on Friday, October 10th, from 9:00 to 10:45 A.M. at St. Joseph’s Church, 1795 Columbia Avenue, Warrington, PA 18976. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 A.M. Interment will take place at Resurrection Cemetery, 5201 Hulmeville Road, Bensalem, PA. A luncheon will follow, and all are welcome.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation of a “pound of twenties” to the Legacy of Life Foundation in remembrance of Jack. https://www.legacyoflifefoundation.org/give/donate/.
“May the road rise up to meet you, May the wind be always at your back, May the sun shine warm upon your face, And rains fall soft upon your fields, And until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of His hand.”
www.metrofsi.com
John J. “Jack” McErlean, age 87, of Warrington, Pennsylvania, passed away on October 3, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
Born in Philadelphia, PA in 1938, Jack was the beloved son of the late John J. McErlean and Dorothy White McErlean. A proud graduate of North Catholic High School, Jack went on to serve his country honorably in the United States Navy. Following his service, he attended Temple University and spent his professional life running successful businesses, guided by his strong work ethic, unwavering faith, and integrity.
Jack was predeceased by his cherished wife, Ita (Higgins) McErlean, with whom he shared 60 wonderful years—a lifetime of love, faith, and devotion; his beloved daughter, Teresa Ann; his parents, John and Dorothy McErlean; and his sister, Margaret Mary “Peg” Cloud.
He is survived by his devoted children: Patrick (Aleida), Maureen Grimes, Marybeth Canally (Christopher), Tara Liekkio (Paavo), and Sean (Renee). Jack was a proud and loving Poppy to Kelsey, Vincent, Patrick “Joey,” Keghan, Colin, Finn-Patrick, Madison, Sean Jr., Grace, and Ryan, and great-grandfather to Vincent, Leyla, and Luke.
Jack is also survived by his sister-in-law, Patricia Anna Lowrey (London, England); his brother-in-law, Michael Leo Higgins (County Sligo, Ireland); and his very dear sister-in-law, Margaret “Josie” Padden(Philadelphia, PA), who he considered like a sister. He leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and countless dear friends who loved and supported him throughout his life.
A man of deep faith and Irish pride, Jack found great joy in his family, his friendships, and his community. He was a devoted father, poppy, and friend. Together, they enjoyed many games, summers in Sea Isle City, good food, and endless stories and laughter. Jack was also a loyal Philadelphia sports fan, cheering faithfully for the Eagles and Phillies, and he loved following college basketball and football.
Throughout his life, Jack was a friend and mentor to many—maintaining close ties with childhood companions, Navy brothers, his 12-step community and lifelong friends. He lived a life of service, humility, and leadership, helping countless people find hope, healing, and faith through his example. The community that gathered around him continues to thrive because of his compassion, strength, and devotion to others.
His family is profoundly grateful for the love, care, and friendship shown to Jack, especially in recent months by those who helped care for him.
Relatives and friends are invited to his Viewing on Friday, October 10th, from 9:00 to 10:45 A.M. at St. Joseph’s Church, 1795 Columbia Avenue, Warrington, PA 18976. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 A.M. Interment will take place at Resurrection Cemetery, 5201 Hulmeville Road, Bensalem, PA. A luncheon will follow, and all are welcome.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation of a “pound of twenties” to the Legacy of Life Foundation in remembrance of Jack. https://www.legacyoflifefoundation.org/give/donate/.
“May the road rise up to meet you, May the wind be always at your back, May the sun shine warm upon your face, And rains fall soft upon your fields, And until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of His hand.”
www.metrofsi.com
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