John Edward McVay

He is survived by his wife, Susan of 22 years, sons John, Jim and Tim, daughters-in-law, Laurie and Cindy, grandchildren John, Brett, Sean, Ryan, Emma, Hannah and great grandson, Remington. Also, stepson, Brian Williams, wife Jill and sons, Cooper and Canyon.

John’s family and friends celebrate his wonderful life and are so thankful and blessed to have shared it with him. His achievements at every level of football are significant and well documented yet secondary to the man, father, grandfather, husband, brother, uncle, coach, teacher and friend that he was. So many lives have been touched by his love, faith, humility, wisdom and willingness to always be there and take the extra step.

Born in Bellaire, OH on January 5, 1931 to John and Helen McVay, he also had a sister, Mary Lou. He attended Massillon (Ohio) High School and Miami University where he played football for Woody Hayes and Ara Parseghian and was Captain of the 1952 team. He is in both schools Halls of Fame. He is also a member of the Forty Niners Hall of Fame (2013), Ring of Honor and a member of the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame (2018). The Forty Niners named their Draft Room the John McVay Draft Room in 2016.

Coaching career:

1953-1955 Lancaster HS (OH) (assistant)

1956 Head Coach - Franklin HS (OH)

1957-1961 Head Coach - Central Catholic HS (OH)

1962-1964 Michigan State (assistant)

1965-1972 Head Coach - University of Dayton

1973 Athletic Director - University of Dayton

1974-1975 Head Coach - Memphis Southmen (WFL)

1976 New York Giants (assistant)

1976-1978 Head Coach - New York Giants

Forty Niners Tenure - 1979-2003:

John originally joined the 49ers as the team's Director of Player Personnel in 1979. He went on to spend 17 years (1979-95) with the 49ers and held administrative responsibilities that included Vice President and General Manager, Director of Player Personnel, Director of Football Operations, Vice President for Football Administration, Administrative Vice President and Assistant to the President. During his tenure, the 49ers claimed five Super Bowl titles, three with Walsh and two with George Seifert. He was named The Sporting News NFL Executive-of-the-Year in 1989 following the team's fourth Super Bowl. After retiring following the 1995 season, John later re-joined the organization in 1999 and served as Vice President/Director of Football Operations through the 2003 season.

A private family memorial will occur later this month.

In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to Saint Joseph Marello Catholic Church, 7200 Auburn Folsom Rd., Granite Bay CA 95746