John Joseph McAuliffe—Devoted husband, father, and grandfather passed away surrounded by family on Wednesday, January 18th, 2023. He was 74.

Born November 12, 1948 in Monroe County, NY to the late John Francis McAuliffe and Geraldine Bartylak McAuliffe, John graduated from Bishop Kearney High School in 1967 and went on to serve his country in the US Air Force. While stationed in Vietnam he acted as a Security Force Specialist, achieving the rank of Sergeant.

In 1968 John married his grade school sweetheart Mary, then attended RIT, graduating in 1975 with a degree in Business. Joining the US Border Patrol in 1977 he served as a Supervisory agent and Fire Arms Range instructor for 30 years.

Through the years John delighted in watching his eldest daughter Cailin play travel softball and younger daughter Meghan play soccer until reaching the collegiate level at St. Andrew’s University. He was an avid treasure hunter and history buff, often taking family vacations to the ghost towns of CA, AZ, and many other points of interest around the Golden State.

After calling CA home for 28 years, John and Mary retired in 2006 and the family settled in NC at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

In July of 2009 John became a grandfather to grandson Nicholas. John affectionately known as “GeeGee” from that day forward, enjoyed weekly Sunday (after church) “boys only” outings with Nicholas. In retirement John enjoyed many forms of art, writing, and spending time with his much loved family.

A devout Catholic, John rejoiced in celebrating his faith by attending St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. He loved to read the bible, pray the rosary, and had a strong belief in God.

Those left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife of 54 years Mary McAuliffe, daughters Cailin McAuliffe and grandson Nicholas, Meghan McAuliffe-Brown (husband Joseph Brown), brothers Michael (Barbara) and Daniel McAuliffe, sister Anne Therese Dox (James) and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his father John Francis McAuliffe, mother Geraldine Bartylak McAuliffe, and brother Joseph McAuliffe.

John’s light was invaluable; he adored his family unconditionally. Truly the pillar, he was the provider, protector, and glue of the McAuliffes. A compassionate, supportive man known for his integrity, honesty, and strong moral convictions, John’s witty, often sarcastic humor was second to none, his hugs warm and comforting.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 4, 2023 at 12:00 PM at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Lenoir, NC.

Family and friends will be invited to share happy memories and celebrate John’s life the way he would want to be remembered- as a loving, caring man.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mackie Funeral Service at 35 Duke Street, Granite Falls, NC 28630 to assist the family with funeral expenses. An online guestbook and obituary is available at www.mackiefh.com.