Resident of San Jose

John was born in Chicago, IL in 1936, the son of Thomas and Alice Lehane, who had come to Chicago from Ireland. He grew up in Chicago and graduated from St. Rita’s High School. He proudly served two years in the U.S. Army in Eastern Germany with a Missile Battalion during what we now call the “Cold War.”

John continued his education at the University of Illinois, earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Aeronautical Engineering, then came to Sunnyvale to work for Lockheed.

While working there, he took classes at Santa Clara University and earned his MBA. He joined SRI and obtained his PhD, also from Santa Clara University.

In 1965 he met his wife Farelyn, who was living in the same apartment building in Santa Clara. He proposed after three weeks and they were married the following year. In 1967 they moved into their present home and joined Queen of Apostles Parish, which became their spiritual home. John taught at Golden Gate University, establishing their program in Informational Sciences.

Daughters Anne and Cathie arrived and John finished his teaching career at San Jose State.

John and Farelyn traveled to many countries and especially enjoyed a Knights of Columbus pilgrimage to the Holy Land in 1999. They served in many capacities at Queen of Apostles. John joined the Knights of Columbus in 1997.

John passed away peacefully on September 14, 2024 after some years of poor health. John and Farelyn celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary in June and his 88th birthday in July. His anchors were his faith and family. John was so grateful for his long life and knowing his grandchildren as adults, and keenly followed their accomplishments.

He is predeceased by his daughter, Anne Margiotta, and is survived by daughter Cathie (John) Shermer, grandsons Tomas, Sean and Ian Shermer and granddaughter Nicole Margiotta. His legacy will live on through his family, many students, and his charitable works.

A Funeral Mass has been offered. If you would like to honor John’s memory with a donation, please consider: Kaiser Santa Clara Hospice, 3900 Freedom Circle, Suite 201, Santa Clara, CA 95050, and note patient care and support.