John McBrearty Obituary

John McBrearty 62, of Napa and Arcata, CA, passed away on April 26, 2011. He was born in Brooklyn, NY, on December 3, 1948, to the late Michael and Mary McBrearty. He completed his undergraduate degree in sociology at Harvard and then pursued graduate studies at U.C. Berkeley. He remained a Californian until his death. Before he retired, John was the security officer for computer technology at Humboldt State University in Arcata. Prior to that, he was Director of Information Technology at College of the Redwoods in Eureka, CA. In 1985, he married Tara, a clinical social worker, and became the proud stepfather of her three children from her previous marriage. Tara McBrearty was the cornerstone of John's life. His family brought him deep joy. John was an avid reader and explorer of thought, a music lover, and a respected member of the Redwood Technology Consortium. In his later years, he treasured the camaraderie of his longstanding poker group. John endured his final illness with a poise and strength of character that edified all who visited him. He is survived by his wife Tara, his sister Anne and brother Michael of New York City, and by their three children, Kenneth, Jacob, and Shea; their spouses Rachel Azevedo, Krystal Krause, Michael McCracken; and seven delightful grandchildren. The family will celebrate John's life at a memorial wake on Saturday, April 30, at 4 PM at 2269 Hilltop Court, Arcata. No flowers, please. The family suggests donating to John's favorite radio station, KMUD, PO Box 135, Redway. CA 95560.

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Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Apr. 28 to May 1, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for John McBrearty

5 Entries

May 14, 2011

Tara, I am another from the Xaverian years. Those were heady days and John was central to them. He discovered the Catholic Worker and social activism, worked to improve race relations in our community, and was excited by ideas and principles. What energy! More than classes at Xaverian, I remember summer nights with John at NY Philharmonic concerts in Central Park, meeting like-minded hs students from all over the city. A few years later, he and I shared an apt. for a time in Berkeley, where we were in grad school. It is hard to accept that 40 years have gone and John is no longer among us. May his memory be a blessing to you and your family.
Joe Holub, Philadelphia

Roger Barrett

May 4, 2011

John was a friend that possessed the extraordinary qualities of conversational wit, compassionate understanding, and amused listening that enriched both our lives. Over the years, John and I shared workplaces, friends, and thoughts. He and his lovely,caring wife Tara, entertained me with food and festivities through the seasons. John and I talked of many things; hopes, dreams, imaginary numbers, Joycean ramblings, and the unsecurity of security. He has always been my friend and I will always remember him as such. He had a deep, abiding love for his family, and the manifestation of that love was evident in his kind and kindred appreciation for the plight of others. In my soul, there are the kind of green, dark woods that John loved, and in those woods, I will miss him.

Carl Fehlandt

May 2, 2011

Tara, we met only once, when you were down here with John on the Monterey Peninsula sometime in 2002. We had dinner at the Embassy Suites in Seaside.

Let me second absolutely everything that Rich Beyer has said. John was indeed soft-spoken, kind, and understated during those 4 years at Xaverian, but it wasn't long before we also all realized that he was "the smartest guy around." So it was no surprise when he aced the SATs and was the only one from our class to make it into Harvard.

Rest assured that John will live on in our memories.

My sincere condolences.

May 2, 2011

Tara, we never met, but John and I were close high school classmates ( and it was great getting togehter a few times several years ago in the Bay area with 2 other classmates, Carl and Phil).
John was a great friend for the 4 years we were together in virtually every class all 4 years. he was, on one hand ,softspoken and humble and, on the other hand, exceptionally bright, very kind to everyone and succeeded in all things that he took on. As valedictorian of our class he was very articulate and inspiring .
I think I speak for all my Xaverian classmates in saying that the world was a much better place because of John and that he left a small piece of himself with each of us.
We are so sorry for your loss. Sincerely, Rich Beyer,Class of 1966, Xaverian High School, Brooklyn

Karen Spaulding

April 29, 2011

Tara
I was so sorry to hear about john. He was a wonderful person and he will be missed greatly.
Karen Spaulding from Dr. Alan Samuels Office

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