John Degnan

John Degnan, a lifetime Middletown resident, passed away on Saturday April 27, 2024 surrounded by his family at Garnett Medical Center in Middletown. John was born in Middletown on August 28, 1936 to Frank Degnan and Catherine Botens Degnan. The oldest of three sons, John attended St. Joseph's School where he also served as an altar boy in the church. He was active in the Boys Scouts and became an Eagle Scout. At Middletown High School, John played on the football team and was named the DUSO (Dutchess Ulster Sullivan Orange) league player of the year. John spent summers lifeguarding, caddying, and playing golf at Orange County Golf Club. John was a proud graduate of the MHS Class of 1954. John attended St. Lawrence University where he played football and graduated in 1958.
After college, John joined the National Guard. During this time, he was reintroduced to a high school acquaintance, Joan Van De Mark. John and Joan were married in 1960. John began his career as the original Athletic Director at the new Minisink Valley High School. After two years he transferred to Middletown High School, where he taught and coached football until 1979.
John was active In the Elks Club and became the youngest Exalted Ruler of the Middletown Lodge, at that time. John worked in Real Estate and was elected a City of Middletown Alderman. John was an original member of the Stewart Airport Commission. John also successfully ran and completed five marathons during this time. John became Director of Purchasing for Orange County and in 1997 was appointed Director of the Middletown Downtown Improvement District where he remained for 25 years.
John was predeceased by his parents and his brother Dr. Mark Degnan. In addition to Joan, he is survived by his son John D. Degnan and his spouse Paul Gervais of Boston, his daughter Kelly Degnan and husband Charles Stewart of Middletown and their children Brandon Kania, James Stewart, and Angelica Stewart and her son William. He is also survived by his brother Daniel Degnan and his wife Marianne of Venice Florida, their children Rachel Gordon of Denver CO, Peter Degnan of Milford CT and their families as well as Andrea Drey Sapp and her family in Brunswick GA. John is also survived by his second family – all the City Staff and volunteers who make up the Middletown BID family.
Visitation will be held from 3 to 7 pm on Sunday, May 5, 2024 at Applebee-McPhillips Funeral Home, Inc, 130 Highland Avenue, Middletown, NY 10940. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 am on Monday, May 6, 2024 at St. Joseph's Church, 149 Cottage Street, Middletown, NY 10940. Burial of ashes will take place at a later date in the family plot in St. Joseph's Cemetery.