John McFarland
July 16 1928 - June 5 2026
Visitation :
Church of the Resurrection
Thursday June 25th 2026 10 - 11 am
6300 E Dublin-Granville Road
New Albany Ohio 43054
Catholic Mass will immediately follow the Visitation
Services:
Funeral Mass
Thursday June 25th 2026 at 11:00 am
Church of the Resurrection
6300 E. Dublin-Granville Road
New Albany
, Ohio 43054
Friends and Family are asked to meet at the Church for the Mass.
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Obituary
Heaven became a little livelier on June 5, 2026, when John Thomas McFarland passed peacefully into the Lord's embrace at the age of 97. Born in Columbus, Ohio, on July 16, 1928, John lived a full and remarkable life defined by faith, family, friendship, service, and a genuine love of adventure. He was a proud graduate of Aquinas College High School and earned his degree from The Ohio State University in 1952. Following graduation, John served his country in the United States Army from 1952 to 1954 before beginning a successful career as a sales representative with Worthington Steel. John was a devoted member of Church of the Resurrection and remained involved in many organizations throughout his life, including the Ohio Theta Chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE), the Alpha Athletic Club, and the Senior Softball League of Worthington. Service to others was one of John's greatest passions. He volunteered with Charity Newsies for more than 50 years and was affectionately known by many as "Mr. Newsie." His dedication to the organization included serving as newspaper drive chairman in 1984, president in 1985, and numerous other leadership roles over the decades. His commitment helped ensure that countless children in central Ohio received warm clothing during the winter months. John is survived by his beloved wife of 34 years, Elizabeth (Liz) McPherson; nieces Camille Cenci, Maggi Kelch (David), Diane Krause (Jeffrey), and Andrea Gutliep; nephew Patrick Cenci (Michele); and many cherished grandnieces, grandnephews, great-grandnieces, and great-grandnephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, Nell Joyce McFarland, and his cherished sister, Margaret Anne McFarland Cenci. John was a loving husband, caring brother, and the fun uncle everyone looked forward to seeing. He was known for his generous spirit, infectious enthusiasm and ability to make every occasion more entertaining and enjoyable. John brought energy, laughter, and a sense of adventure wherever he went. John and Liz were fortunate to travel extensively together, creating memories around the world. Even in his later years, his enthusiasm for new experiences never waned. His final major adventure was a 35-day cruise through the North Atlantic in July and August of 2025. An avid skier, softball player, and golfer, John remained active well into his 90s, refusing to part with his skis, glove, or golf clubs until long after many of his peers had retired theirs. He was proud of his Irish heritage and could often be found marching in Columbus' annual St. Patrick's Day Parade. He was also a passionate Buckeye football fan who faithfully attended home games and traveled to countless away games, Big Ten Championships, and bowl games over the years. Few things brought him more joy than cheering on Ohio State alongside family and friends. More than anything, John will be remembered for his warm spirit, generous heart, enduring optimism, and his ability to make every gathering a little brighter simply by being there. A Catholic Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Church of the Resurrection, 6300 E. Dublin Granville Road, New Albany, Ohio, on June 25 at 11AM, preceded by visitation beginning at 10AM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Charity Newsies, 4300 Indianola Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43214, or at charitynewsies.org.
Contributions
Contributions may be directed to any of the followingCondolences for John McFarland
From : Linda and Bernie Stark
To : Liz and family
Date: June 10th 2026
We’ll miss his quick wit and the twinkle in his eye. Sending love and hugs.
From : Dennis Shreve
To : Friends and family of John
Date: June 12th 2026
John and Mickey were my sponsors for my joining Charity Newsies in 1989. I am forever grateful for their leadership. My sincere condolences to friends and family.
From : Paul Workmaster
To : Friends and family of John
Date: June 12th 2026
John was the ultimate example of a Charity Newsie. Always encouraging, helpful, outspoken when he needed to be, and always friendly. I will miss his presence at our meetings.
From : Greg Lashutka
To : John McFarland
Date: June 12th 2026
I will always have a special spot in my heart for John. We first met when I worked the summer of 1965 at Worthington Steel as a student-athlete at Ohio State University. We had a great time playing softball and discussing life. Our paths crossed later through Charity Newsies. John was always upbeat, optimistic and filled with a desire to good. His Irish heritage shown through in how he conducted a life of merit. We lost a good one who made our world a better place.
My condolences to John’s entire family.
From : Lou Nobile Aquinas Alumni Assoc
To : John McFarland Family
Date: June 12th 2026
The Aquinas College High School Alumni Association offers it sincerest condolences to the family of John McFarland. He will be missed by all of his fellow alumni. A Mass will be offered for him by a Dominican Friar at St. Patrick Church. may he rest in peace.
From : Bart Mahoney
To : Liz McFarland
Date: June 13th 2026
Regretfully Kathleen and I are unable to be with you at this time. Know that you are in our prayers. John touched my life in so many ways, but his greatest influence was mentoring me as I became president of the Charity Newsies. RIP, until we meet again. If memory cards are available, please send one to me.
Bart Mahoney
5101 Weatherwood Dr.
N Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
From : Brad Stammler
To : John
Date: June 14th 2026
John was a wonderful person, as everyone has mentioned and felt. My interaction with John was through the Newsie meetings. He always greeted my by name and as if we were best friends......what a quality! God Bless to John and his family! John, I will see you again!
From : Jack Trott
To : 97
Date: June 14th 2026
John just joined the great softball team in heaven, with Jack Gordon, Lou Robbins, Wheatie Whalen, Jerry Kullman, and many more from the K of C, and the Alpha Club. RIP Brother, you were a great man.
From : Garry and Lainie Beim
To : BIG jOHN
Date: June 16th 2026
the glow and message will always be there
" Why Me " still hold the torch for us all to see the future
From : Doug Blair
To : Fans of John T
Date: June 21st 2026
I've had the pleasure of spending many hours/days/weeks with John through the Alpha Club. His spirit was second to none and will always be cherished. Heaven is a lot more fun now with John up there leading the charge.
From : John
To : Campbell
Date: June 21st 2026
John was one of a kind. He was one of my sponsors for entering the Alpha Athletic Club. I’ll never forget him. RIP my friend.