John J. O'Shaughnessy

07/20/1944 - 08/15/2025

John J. O'Shaughnessy, a beloved husband, brother, father, grandfather, uncle, mentor, and friend peacefully passed away on August 15, 2025 in Alexandria, VA.
Born on July 20, 1944, in Bronx, NY, John was the son of the late Michael and Bridget O'Shaughnessy. He received a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from St. Alphonsus College. Following his time with the Redemptorist Seminary he pursued a Master of Arts degree from Ohio University, a master's degree in philosophy from George Washington University, a master's degree in public administration from Harvard University.
Given his passion for improving the delivery of health care in the U.S., he served as the Assistant Secretary for Management and Budget and Acting Undersecretary/Deputy Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). He also served, at the request of the Reagan White House, as an interagency team leader. He founded and later sold three strategic consulting businesses focused on regulatory compliance, auditing, and revenue integrity and also served as the Senior Vice President of the Greater New York Hospital Association where he successfully helped New York City rebuild its hospitals. He later went on to create Government Management Systems, which would later become Verisys Corporation.
John was the devoted husband of much-loved wife Pam. He was the proud and loving father of son Kevin Michael, and wife Elina, and very much enjoyed serving as "Grandpa" to granddaughters Rylie, Leeat, and Skylar. He is also survived by his beloved siblings Thomas (Gerry), Michael (partner Kathy Dunston), and Lorraine (Michael) Hunt. He also invested time in his nieces and nephews and extended family members, in addition to other colleagues.
John will be remembered for his intellect, kindness, sense of humor, and his generosity of spirit.
A Mass of Resurrection will be held on Saturday, August 23, 2025 at 11:30 a.m. at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church [1427 W. Braddock Rd., Alexandria, VA 22302]. A visitation will be held at Everly-Wheatley Funeral Home [1500 W. Braddock Rd., Alexandria, VA 22302] on Friday, August 22, 2025 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. to celebrate his life. All who knew him along with their families are invited and welcome to come to both events to celebrate the life of this amazing man.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in John's name to Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church.