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John Ireland Obituary
January 10, 1944 - March 19, 2023
State College, Pennsylvania - John Anthony Ireland, 79, passed away peacefully surrounded by his daughters on March 19, 2023, at Mount Nittany Medical Center. A bilingual leader, John built a successful international healthcare management career in countries such as Mexico, Poland, Saudi Arabia, and Spain.
John was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, the middle child and only son of Lillian Clark Ireland and Russell Morgan Ireland of London, England. He was educated on the Caribbean island of Barbados before enrolling at Gresham's School in Holt, Norfolk, England. Acceptance to Cornell University brought him to Ithaca, NY, where he majored in hotel administration. After graduation, he served as a lieutenant in the United States Army, primarily stationed in Atlanta, GA. He attended George Washington University on the GI Bill, earning a Master's degree in Business Administration and Management.
Early in his career, John had a long tenure as CEO of Tyler Memorial Hospital in Tunkhannock, PA, where he became an American citizen. He was known for longtime leadership within the Hospital Association of Pennsylvania and for supporting several nonprofits including United Way. John eventually relocated to State College, PA, where he ran Clearfield Hospital, then moved to Mexico as president of ABC Medical Center in Mexico City. From there, he spent decades working on all major continents as an operations, restructuring, and reinvention expert, most recently CEO of Teknon Medical Center in Barcelona.
A natural athlete and sports lover, John enjoyed running, coaching soccer, fitness classes, tennis, and supporting Barça futbol. He brought fun to every room and shined warmth and acceptance onto so many people. Nothing could better prepare us for grief than his lifetime of role-modeling positivity and perseverance.
John was a loving father to Jill Sweeney (Jamie) of Pittsburgh; Elizabeth Ireland (Ben) of Ojai, CA; beloved brother to Joan Hall (Brian) of London, England, and Jennifer Arthur (Michael) of Fishbourne, England.
Arrangements for a celebration of his life are pending. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the charity of your choice.
Online condolences may be made at www.kochfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Ireland
2 Entries
Robert Rogers
April 12, 2024
My sincere condolences; although I did not know John personally, I am a huge film buff and felt I knew him vicariously through his film noir and western movies. I always felt him to be a good man by way of his demeanor on film (and was vindicated in that belief after reading his accomplishments outside the film industry) , and knew him to be a fine actor. A memorable actor who has brought me many many hours of entertainment via his movies.
Greg M
March 25, 2023
John became a close friend
He loved people He helped many
We will miss him but remember how he touched my life with his grace
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Koch Funeral Home - State College2401 S. Atherton Street, State College, PA 16801
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