John Hynes

Obituary of John Hynes

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John Hynes, Sr., a respected architect, devoted husband, father, and Christian, passed away peacefully on March 9, 2026 at the age of 88. Born on April 15, 1937, in Abington, Pennsylvania, he was the son of the late Charles G. Hynes and Helen K. (Hart) Hynes.

John's early life was marked by resilience. After the sudden passing of his father when John was only three years old, he spent part of his childhood at the Methodist Orphanage in Philadelphia and later as a foster child on a farm in Skippack, Pennsylvania. In 1944, he entered Girard College in Philadelphia, where he lived until 1952. He graduated from Norristown High School in 1954.

Determined to pursue his passion for design, John attended night school at the University of Pennsylvania for seven years while working full time. He earned his Bachelor of Architecture degree in 1964. His distinguished career included 22 years with Alexander Ewing's architectural firm, followed by the successful launch of his own practice in 1975. In 1971, he furthered his education by earning a Master of Architecture degree from Harvard University. Throughout his career, John made meaningful contributions to the architectural fabric of Philadelphia and Wilmington. Most notably, he designed 1818 Market St., Philadelphia, a one-million-square-foot Class A office tower.

John is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 27 years, Judith (Lile) Hynes. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Anne (Gould) Hynes.

He is also survived by his children: John Jr.; Gregory David (Jennifer Brown); and Allison Anne Hynes; as well as two children from his first marriage to Norma (Lockton) Eliff: Brian Keith Hynes (Robin Smith) and Susan Lynne (Watson) Laird (Gary Laird). He was predeceased by his daughter-in-law, April Leopold.

John is also survived by eight grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, his sister, Helen Lafferty, and his half-sisters, Dorothy Kovacs and Betty Bray.

Funeral Service will be held at 11:00AM on Wednesday, March 25, 2025, Helweg & Rowland Funeral Home, 1500 Old York Road, Abington, where relatives and friends will be received from 10:00AM until the time of the service. Interment will be in The Woodlands, where he will be laid to rest next to his late wife, Anne.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Caring Hospice, 101 Good Drive, First Floor, Lancaster, PA 17603.