John Bernard McGahan

John (Jay) Bernard McGahan, 77, of Wilbraham, MA passed away surrounded by his loving family at the Cooley Dickinson Hospital in Northampton on March 24, 2024. He was born in Springfield, MA November 6, 1946, a son of the late John B. and Muriel (Port) McGahan.

John was a graduate of Classical High School Class of 1964. He attended Rollins College in Winter Park, FL and Nathaniel Hawthorne College in Antrim, NH until 1968 later earning his bachelors degree in Political Science. While still in school, John was inducted into the Armed Services in 1968 with the US Army 1st Infantry Division during the Vietnam War and was the recipient of the Bronze Star, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Overseas Service Bar, and Sharpshooter. After returning from Vietnam, he was stationed in Manhattan, KS until he was honorably discharged in1970.

John and Janine C. (Tichiaz) met in Hatfield, MA in 1965, and married in West Granby, CT in 1968. From 1970 - 2007, John started and operated several businesses in Western MA, including his family owned TeleService of Springfield, Holyoke, and Northampton; Supreme Court and Racquetball Club of West Springfield, Wireless Revolution in Springfield, and later was a consultant and sales manager for the former AirTouch Messaging Company in East Hartford. He also consulted and worked in the sales division for Subaru of West Springfield.

Besides his wife and best friend of 55-years Janine, he leaves two loving daughters, Tara Dulude and her husband Kevin of Westfield, and Sarah McGahan Brand and husband Tom of Easthampton. John was loved by so many and will be remembered for his kind heart, sense of humor and eclectic ear for music. An accomplished cook, he and Janine shared their culinary skills with family and friends over the years hosting many holiday and family events and weekend dinner parties. His love of nature and animals extended from beloved family pets to backyard wildlife (many will be waiting for him in heaven).

The family would like to thank all the staff at the VA CLC in Northampton MA; especially the devoted doctors, nurses and aides.

Calling hours will be held Wednesday, April 10th from 4-6 PM at the Byron Keenan Funeral Home & Cremation Tribute Center, 1858 Allen Street, in Springfield. His burial along with Military Honors will be held on Thursday, April 11th at 3:00 PM at the Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, 1390 Main Street in Agawam.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in John’s name to the Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Control & Adoption Center, or the Mass Audubon Society.