John Michael Mcdade

On May 13, 2024 John Michael McDade passed away peacefully in his lifelong Catonsville home at the age of 70. He was surrounded by his beloved wife, four children, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, grandchildren, and sister-in-law.

He is survived by his wife Terrie (née Reinecke); four children, Jessica and husband Jonathan Ricker, Heather, John and wife Heather (née Marino), and Abbey; four grandchildren, Noël and Jacob Ricker, and Ella and Olivia McDade. John is also survived by brothers Tommy (Becky), Marty, Jim (Joanie) McDade; Sisters Pat Gegner, Lin (Mike) Tirocchi, Annie (Bunk) Nolan; and countless nieces and nephews.

John was born August 19, 1953 to Martin and Marie McDade. He was born the seventh of eight children, four girls and four boys, and raised in the family home built by his parents in Catonsville. The modest McDade home was always bustling, full of personalities, love, and laughter. It was the epicenter where close relationships and traditions were cultivated and have carried into the extended McDade family.

John met Terrie in 1979 at a bible study and was immediately smitten. They were married one year later in November of 1980, and started having children in 1982. One of John’s greatest joys in life was raising his children and instilling in them their values of faith and family.

John was naturally inquisitive and creative as a child, acquiring his first drill in the second grade. He grew into a young adult motivated to craft and build works of art. Throughout his decades of work, he became a skilled craftsman and a masterful renaissance man. John had an innate understanding of the ways things worked, and developed techniques to solve almost any problem. If John needed a tool that didn’t exist or that wasn’t available, he designed and made it himself.

The McDade family home and the homes of many family members, friends, and clients reflect John’s creative and artistic craftsmanship and talent. He was a master at hanging his signature custom molding and trim work, creating beautiful bathrooms, kitchens, cabinetry, sunrooms, and even building homes in their entirety.

Beginning in the 1980’s John dove into rebuilding, restoring, and refinishing pianos and quickly became an expert, as he did with anything he set his mind to. He and his lifelong friend, Phil, opened a shop in Baltimore where they restored pianos together. After a catastrophic fire, he moved his shop to Beaumont Avenue.

John’s great love of music was a huge part of his life, which he imparted upon his children. He ensured his home was filled with the sounds of his favorite artists like Frank Sinatra, Pavarotti, and The Beatles. Christmas music was especially cherished and enjoyed long past the holiday season, including the week and moment of his passing. He sang in the St. Benedict church choir with his family, something they will all treasure forever.

John’s faith and love for Christ was of the highest importance. His church communities were the beneficiaries of his devotion, which was reflected in the time and energy he donated, particularly to St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church and St. Benedict Catholic Church. It was an honor and a joy to offer his talents and skills to his church homes.

In John’s later years, and up until the time of his illness, he found joy and fulfillment in driving a school bus for children with disabilities. His steady, gentle, and loving presence provided a secure environment for the children entrusted to him. He cultivated many friendships among his coworkers.

John was a man of God, family, and country.  He had a passion for his faith, patriotism, the Constitution, and bringing attention to the injustices he witnessed happening in the world. He taught many people about the history of theology, the founding of the USA, and the importance in fighting for what is right.

John has always been a servant, all-loving, slow to anger, and pure of spirit. He brought a richness to all who knew him. He was rarely in a rush, always fully present, and enjoyed meaningful conversations. He touched and taught everyone and always gave us the greatest gift, his time.

In John’s final days, he was visited by countless friends, family, and others he touched in life. He died a man rich in love, family, and devotion to God. He will be greatly missed. John’s meaningful legacy lives on in his wife, children, and grandchildren.

The family’s greatest request at this time is for family and friends to share their memories and stories of their time with John. We would also love any photos from over the years, including those of your time with John or of the craftsmanship that he may have shared in your homes. Please email them to us at rememberingjohnmcdade@gmail.com

Visitation will be held at St. Mark Church, 30 Melvin Avenue, Catonsville, MD (21228) on Friday from 5 pm until 8 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Mark Chapel on Saturday at 10:30 am. Interment New Cathedral Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Women's Center West, 5 Ingleside Avenue, Catonsville, MD (21228) Women's Center West Donate