Age 78, of Mullica Hill, NJ, passed away peacefully on January 13, 2017 surrounded by his loving family.
John attended the University of Denver School of Hotel and Restaurant Management where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration, and was later honored as Alumnus of the Year. He lead the Aramark Food Service Sector as President for 15 years during his 40 year career with the organization. John founded the International Food Safety Council whose mission was to heighten the awareness and importance of food safety. He attended the Harvard Graduate School of Business and served as a fund agent for them for many years. John received honorary doctorates from the University of Denver, Johnson and Wales University, and the Culinary Institute of America.
Other accomplishments include: Chairman of The National Restaurant Association, Chairman and Trustee Emeritus of the Educational Foundation of the National Restaurant Association, Chairman Emeritus of the National Automatic Merchandising Association, Director Emeritus of the Culinary Institute of America, Chairman of the Philadelphia Crime Commission, Director of Philadelphia March of Dimes, Director of Delaware Valley Easter Seal Society, Trustee of Westbrook College in Portland ME, and served on the USDA Research, Extension, Education and Economics Advisory Board.
Treasured son of the late Lloyd "Hop" and Marguerite; beloved husband of Carolyn (nee Ceglia); loving father of Jerry (Allyson) and Meg (John); cherished grandfather of Tyler, Brenna, Aidan, Declan, Colin and Pierce "Spike" and great grandfather of Chase; dear brother of the late Sally Davey.
Relatives and friends are invited to John's Visitation on Friday afternoon from 1 P.M. – 3 P.M. in THE McGUINNESS FUNERAL HOME, 573 Egg Harbor Road, Sewell, NJ 08080. Time of Remembrance to follow at 3 P.M. Interment private at the request of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in John's name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Pl, Memphis, TN 38105 or American Diabetes Association, 150 Monument Road, Suite 100, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004.
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Published by Philadelphia Inquirer/Philadelphia Daily News on Jan. 16, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for JOHN FARQUHARSON

Sponsored by McGuinness Funeral Homes - Sewell.

19 Entries

Marlene Frayne

January 10, 2023

John and Carolyn were always special in my life and my daughters. John is thought of often and great times we all had together.
My best goes to you Carolyn and your family.

Tom Cristino, RRT

April 5, 2018

Carolyn, I just heard about John's passing today. It broke my heart to hear this sad news. It was such a pleasure to have been a part of his life! I always enjoyed seeing him because he was always so friendly and kind. He was someone I held in high regard! God bless you and your family.

Mike Sherrill

February 1, 2018

Was a good mentor & friend when I worked at ARA Services about 1977-80. Very kind person, who I should have kept in touch, a big regret for me.

Gary Hanson

February 8, 2017

John was a true leader and well respected by the people on the front line that made ARA / Aramark so successful. He could talk with an executive or the potwasher and make them feel equally valued. He knew the food business and the commitment that was required by managers and workers. That is a testimony to his heart and appreciation of people. John was a motivation to so many. And yes, he could tell stories with the best! He was admired and will always provide great memories of times at ARA.

Alberta Taylor

January 25, 2017

Carolyn - I am so sorry I did not attend John's funeral. I did not hear about his passing until afterwards. My family and I would like to extend our condolences to you and your family. Even though, I never got to know John very well, when I read his beautiful obituary I realized he must have been a very loving and caring person. God bless you, and God bless John.

January 24, 2017

Carolyn, so sorry to hear about John's death. You would be the one to know about the influence you and he both made on my career at ARAMARK.

Bill Edmundson

Sandy Pasquale

January 22, 2017

Carolyn,

So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!

Greg Wier

January 22, 2017

A very sad day for all who knew and loved John. May his smile bring comfort to all who are grieving.

Ron Ayres

January 20, 2017

Its sad when you don't realize the impact one really makes on your life until they are gone. John lived a life most of us can only dream of having and unfortunately for the Dos Equis man, John Farquharson was the most interesting and generous person on earth. His life in Maine, days at ARA to the many hunting and fishing trips with friends made for some amazing stories. He had a way of speaking that captivated those listening. He was hypnotizing to the point that I couldn't wait to hear what he would say next. I for one would sit for hours listening to his stories and adventures from around the world only to go home and have to explain to my wife where I was for the last 6 hours. He could remember names, places and events as if they happened yesterday. He would frequently speak about people I never knew or met. When he saw the puzzled look on my face he would explain them to me by telling me what company they were working for and when I still didn't catch on he would tell me the products their company made as an aid to understanding. His fondness for guns is what really gave us a bond that Carolyn didn't quite understand. She would often tell us we were nuts and would leave us alone to ramble on for hours. He also educated me on such things as wine even though I didn't drink it. He then introduced me to the finer beverages such as brandy and scotch. One of the last dinners with John ended with us drinking some 16 year old scotch. It was a good time as always. He was instrumental in getting me fly fishing again although I never got the chance to fish with him. John was a smart man with a soft gentle heart. He was also a man who cared for everyone more than he did himself. I was one of the lucky ones who got to know him well. My regret is not meeting him sooner. John Farquharson's generosity was felt by everyone who had the privledge to meet him. I was one of the fortunate ones who not only met this man but considered him a great friend for many years. He will be remembered by many for a lifetime. RIP buddy your friendship meant more to me than you ever knew and for that I will be forever grateful.

January 20, 2017

Carolyn, I am so sorry for your loss. I haven't seen you in a very long time. I saw Meg a couple of months ago, and asked for you. She said everything was great. So sorry for you and your family, I know you all loved John very much,

Marlene

MELISSA NADEL

Sent Flowers

Jack Donovan

January 17, 2017

A great man and a great leader. I wish I could thank him one more time for all of his kindness.

Jerry Thomson

January 17, 2017

Carolyn I am sending prayers your way during this difficult time. I am so sorry for your loss. John was a wonderful man and always seemed to find a way to make me smile. God bless you and your family.

Justine Savage

January 17, 2017

Carolyn, I was so sorry to hear of John's passing. Please know I am thinking about all of you. My deepest sympathy.

Justine

David Rader

January 17, 2017

So sorry to hear of John's passing. My heartfelt sympathies to John's entire family. I will always remember one of the last times I saw him he said "I finally finished writing my book and you are in it. However, there's a problem...my lawyer says I can't publish it until after I'm gone." He always talked about those stories he put in the book. Well, now it can be published!! I am grateful for all the opportunities he provided me and my family while I worked for him. He was a wonderful boss. May you cherish all the good memories, too.

Marilynn and Joe Vannucci

January 17, 2017

Carolyn,
Joe and I sent our heartfelt condolences on the passing of John. We had wonderful days together at ARA Services and will be thinking of you as you celebrate the life of someone who made a difference in the world. Cherish the memories. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Tom Fitzgerald

January 17, 2017

One of the best execs and persons in this whole world - it was an honor to know and work with him and did he know how to blow into horses noses at Fairhill!

Michael Ceglia

January 16, 2017

The most interesting and accomplished person I've ever known, my beloved brother-in-law, John Farquharson.