Mr. John "Jack" Foley

Mr. John "Jack" Foley, a devoted and adventurous man known for his humor and hard-working nature, passed away on January 13, 2026, at the age of 89. Born on August 9, 1936, in Steubenville, Ohio, a steel mill town home to Dean Martin and Jimmy the Greek and was known as “Little Chicago”, Jack lived a full and vibrant life.

In his early years, Jack spent a lot of time at his maternal grandfather’s farm in Bellaire, Ohio where his love of horses blossomed as they used teams of horses for their planting and harvesting. Jack also played football in Ohio and was recognized as an All-State player. He continued his passion for the sport through scholarships at the University of Chattanooga, the University of Tampa and Hutchison Junior College in Kansas where he was also on the Rodeo Team. Jack’s love of rodeo continued to 40 when he last rode a bull. Jack's athletic prowess also led him to play one year of professional football in Winnipeg, Canada for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

After his marriage to Judith Moses, he went to work for Miller Hotchkiss Ranch in Firebaugh, California, managing the cattle feed lot and was also one of the last cattle drovers purchasing cattle out of state and riding back by train with railcars of cattle.

Jack also learned to fly, loved fishing and camping and his church. While working at the Police Department, he also had his own hay swathing business.

Jack went to work for the Madera Police Department in 1964. After two days of training, he was out on patrol. This was before the time the city had hand held radios or radios in the cars. When a call came in to the Police Department a light would blink on top of the station and there were call boxes around town where the officers would call in for the information. Jack was a patrolman and went into detectives but he liked being out on the street more and was promoted to Corporal and became a training officer and small weapons specialist. Jack dedicated 28 years to the City of Madera Police Department. His commitment to his career was admired by all who knew him.

In 1986, Jack married Heidi Sattler O’Brien, with whom he shared a loving and supportive partnership for 39 years. His family includes his spouse Heidi Foley, daughters Kayla Franklin and Judy Foley-Brown, son John Joseph Foley, stepdaughter Jenny Righetti (Marc), and stepson Bryan O'Brien (Jenny), nephews Danny, Mike, Steven and families, along with grandchildren Christian, Kaysi, Steven, Breanna, Anna, CJ, Isaiah, Elijah, Conor and Sofia and six great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents Patrick Francis Foley and mother Anastasia Vinka, former spouse Judith Moses, sister Patricia Heaston, son Sean Michael Foley, and grandson Brandon Foley.

Jack was an active member of his community, serving as both a member and former president of the Men's Club at the Serbian Orthodox Church. He also held the position of President of the Madera Police Officers Association. During that time, he was instrumental in organizing the Gathering of War Birds along with Joe Saldana of the Fresno Police Department at the Madera Airport and bringing the Madera Junior Rodeo to life.

Jack Foley will be remembered for his adventurous spirit, his dedication to his career and family, and his ability to bring humor and joy to those around him.

A funeral service will be held at the Serbian Orthodox Church of St. Apostle Peter, located at 3502 N First St, Fresno, CA 93726, United States. The service is scheduled for January 29, 2026, at 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Peter the Apostle Serbian Orthodox Church or the charity of the donor’s choice.