John N. McMath, Jr. '46
June 23, 1928 - August 22, 2022
John passed away peacefully in his sleep on August 22nd, 2022. He was ninety-four years old.
John was born June 23, 1928 in Glen Ridge, New Jersey, to Dorothy Cowing and John Norman McMath. He is survived by his children, Sandi McMath, Lesley McMath, Andrew (Tracey) McMath; Grandchildren; James and Benjamin McMath, Alex McMath Schmitt, Great- Granddaughter, Sophia Grace McMath, and dearly loved best friend Patricia Hans. He was predeceased by his son, Gregory Hawkes McMath and his brother, Robert M. McMath.
John was a lifetime member of the Mayflower Society. His family has a long history of military service having ancestors who fought in the American Revolution, the War of 1812, the Civil War, and WWI. After Graduating from boarding school, John served in the military after WWII. He graduated Williams College in 1952. Shortly after college, he took a position with the firm of Hutchins & Darcy which later would become Hutchins, Young & Rubicam advertising, working in public relations.
John married Phoebe Hawkes in 1953 in New York City and moved to Rochester, NY in 1962 with his family. Later in 1969 he would start his own advertising agency, Mathison. He created and developed Wild Winds Organic Farms in Naples, NY, after becoming fascinated with the health benefits of Organic and Natural Foods in the early 1970's. He also worked with The Humane Society of Rochester in the development and fundraising for Lollypop Farm. Drawing on his passion for healthy foods and marketing experience, he used his talents as a consultant for Birkett Mills part-time until the age of 90 when he retired. He held various positions as a Consultant for Marketing, Development, and Public Relations in Rochester and surrounding communities. As a charitable man, he assisted in fund raising efforts and made numerous donations to several local organizations.
Most memorably, John was social and outgoing. He had a treasure trove of jokes and loved to tell them, often laughing so hard at the joke, he could barely get to the punch line. John also had an extremely good memory even to the end. He entertained his family and friends with many detailed and colorful stories of his many adventures and fascinating life.
We will miss you!
A funeral will be held at the Blessed Sacrament Church on September 17, 2022 at 10 am. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the church.
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