John M McGee

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of John M. McGee, who died peacefully on Friday, December 12, 2025, at the age of 84. John was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

John was born on July 23, 1941, in Auburn, New York, to Thomas and Mary O'Dea McGee.

John attended Mount Carmel High School in Auburn, NY and later attended the University of San Diego, experiences he remembered fondly. He began a long and successful career in publishing in New York City, where he shared many memorable times with his brother-in-law and best friend, Mike Lesch. There, he met his beloved wife Betsy, and together they later built a life in Batavia, New York, where he began a career in painting.

Family meant everything to John. He loved time spent with the McGees at many gatherings in Connecticut along with family vacations to the Jersey Shore. He believed in hard work, faith, and showing up for the people you love, values that guided him throughout his life. He loved being surrounded by his children and grandchildren and took great pride in being there for so many of their meaningful moments. Nothing brought him more pride and joy than watching his sons, Pat and Mike, play basketball together in high school and college, and sharing a memorable first dance with his daughter, Molly, at her wedding.

John was known for his kindness, quick wit, and incredibly funny sense of humor. He loved Bruce Springsteen, Notre Dame Football, a cold beer, the beach, and a good laugh.

John is survived by his wife of 45 years, Betsy, his children, Sean Thomas (Sandy) of Lakewood, CA, Patrick (Rebecca) of Batavia, NY, Michael (Sara) of Brockport, NY, and Molly (Michael) Dove of Fair Haven, NJ, and his grandchildren, Max McGee, and Penelope and Thomas Dove. He is also survived by his brothers, Thomas (Marcia) McGee of Westport, CT, and James (Paula) McGee of Little Silver, NJ, his brother-in-law, Michael Lesch of Naples, FL, his brother-in-law, Bob (Katie) Brown of Batavia, NY, his sisters-in-law, Bonny (Bob) Peacock of Summit, NJ, and Deborah Brown of Statham, GA, as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister, Mary Lesch, and his brother-in-law, Bill Brown.

A celebration of John's life will be held on March 7, 2026 at 9:30am, at Resurrection Parish in Batavia, New York.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Notre Dame High School, 73 Union Street, Batavia, NY 14020.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of H.E. Turner & Co., Inc. Funeral Home, 403 E. Main Street, Batavia. Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com