John King McComb

For nearly 40 years, John worked as a psychotherapist, with a large practice in the Rotunda in Hampden, offering guidance, support, and empathy to countless individuals, couples, and families. This work was his life-long passion and brought him meaning and joy.

John was born in New York City and grew up in Westchester, NY. His father, John Hess McComb, of Philadelphia, PA, was a Presbyterian minister with a church in Upper Manhattan who later moved the family a new parish in Dallas. John was raised by both his father and stepmother, Helen Riach of Dundee, Scotland, after his mother, Mary Emily King, of Hobart, NY, passed away during childbirth. His twin sister, Mary King McComb, was born developmentally disabled and resided in a care home in upstate New York for much of her life.

Working as a therapist was a second career for John. He earned an undergraduate degree at Southern Methodist University in Dallas followed by a PhD in English at Johns Hopkins University. He served as a tenured professor in the English Department of Gettysburg College throughout the 1970s, but soon developed an interest in psychology and therapy work. While still teaching, he completed a part-time MSW at the University of Maryland’s School of Social Work and soon started his private practice in Baltimore. Additionally, he merged his two areas of interest by teaching every Spring as an adjunct professor in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at Johns Hopkins.

Beyond his professional life, John was also known for his clever sense of humor (especially puns!), which often brought unexpected silliness to conversations. He had several personal interests, including golf, 1950s cars and driving, collecting self-winding watches and fountain pens, and watching the PGA, LPGA, and MSNBC.

At the core of John's life was his deep devotion to his family. His love and dedication to his loved ones were immeasurable. He is the beloved husband of Pamela DiPesa; devoted father of Laura McComb-DiPesa and her husband James Yolles; cherished grandfather of William John Yolles and Benjamin Bryan Yolles; dear brother of his twin, the late Mary McComb.

Relatives and friends are invited to gather at the Burgee Henss Seitz Funeral Home, Inc., 3631 Falls Road, Baltimore, Maryland 21211 on Thursday, April 10, 2025 from 2:00pm - 4:00pm with a Time of Sharing beginning at 2:30 pm.

Interment will be private.