John Duncan McGurk

John Duncan McGurk, 84, passed away on April 20th after a long and well-lived life. The day of his passing, he was surrounded by his children and grand-children as they told stories of all the good times with Grandpa. Born in Queens, New York as the oldest of two siblings (Mary Jo, died 1976), John spent his youth in and around the Celtic apartments of Woodside Queens. After attending Brooklyn Prep in High School he went to Iona college where he received a degree in English Literature - often having to hitchhike to school. Upon graduating, from the advice of his Uncle George, John took and passed the Federal Service Entrance Exam and began work for the Federal Government In 1963, John moved to Washington, DC, where he met his love, Mary (died October 2024). Married in 1965, and moving from Alexandria to Chantilly in 1970, they embraced their new community and would happily be a part of it for the next 50 years. It was a beautiful place to raise their three children: Karen (Bob), Mike (Sara) and Jack (Maureen). Upon retirement in 1995, from his “spot” on the back deck, John would listen to Nationals games, read books, and welcome visitors for great conversation. The Chantilly home on Tulip Tree Court became a welcome place for their thirteen grandchildren: Jonathan, Julie (Zach), Mark (Christina), Matthew (Haley), CJ, Joe, Justin, Morgan, Mick, Josh, Madelyn, Ella, and Miles. And more recently, the addition of great-grandchildren Sophia, Ada, Anthony, and Lucy. In his own words, he had a life well lived - family, work, community. Built on the foundation of his father’s integrity and work ethic and his mothers care for and openness to all, John’s time was devoted to these three pillars. With family John coached sports and encouraged his children each to find their own way. At work, John (a non-scientist) won favor with a highly skilled scientific staff to shape the Human Resource division for 20 years. Within the community, John taught CCD, he was on the PTA, and devoted hours to Chantilly Youth Association Little League - as an umpire, treasurer, administrator, and President. His final community work was his proudest - starting a Challenger division of baseball for physically and mentally disabled children. But of all things, John was happiest in retirement spending time with Mary and as a Grandfather. Mary and John enjoyed many trips and each had their own activities with contentment in their later years. As a Grandpa, John had a connection with each grandchild and treasured time playing, teaching, and in conversation during rides in his “Chantilly Taxi” (later GUber - Grandpa Uber). Mary would gasp at John’s dumpster diving and then be delighted by two playgrounds built behind the homes of his older two children (Karen and Mike). That was Dad - always planning, connecting, and building. John was a much-loved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was a man of great integrity who devoted his life to his family. His legacy of love and faith will live on. His mind and his body are finally at peace as he joins his beloved Mary.

John Duncan McGurk

January 27, 1941 - April 21, 2025