John Francis McGill Jr.

Beloved family man, champion napper, and occasional curmudgeon

John F. McGill, Jr. officially shipped out for his final mission on September 17, 2025, at the age of 83 — a respectable age for a man who drank Coca-Cola like it was holy water and treated broccoli like it was an act of war.

Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on August 10, 1942, John was the son of John F. McGill, Sr. and Mildred Scheib. He grew up the oldest of seven siblings, learning the value of hard work, the power of a good story, and how to get out of chores by making people laugh. He attended Santa Clara University, where he learned many things — most of which he forgot, except for the important ones: work hard, keep your faith, and never eat yellow snow.

A proud Navy veteran, John served his country with honor, grit, and just the right amount of sarcasm. He could spot a lazy salute from across a parade ground and never passed up the chance to tell you about that one time on shore — whether you asked or not.

John was married to the love of his life, Luisa, for 55 years — a woman of unparalleled patience who endured five decades of 49ers commentary, bottomless cups of strong coffee, Jeopardy, old westerns, and his irreverent jokes and stories. Despite this, he was a deeply kind man — though he would’ve denied it if you asked. Even with Alzheimer’s, his sense of humor never disappeared — and we suspect his last words included a joke no one was quite ready for.

John is survived by his wife, Luisa McGill; his daughter, Maria Woodruff; and his son, John F. McGill III — who both inherited his stubbornness, his sharp wit, and his ability to disappear mysteriously when it was time to do dishes. He is also survived by four grandchildren: Andrew, Thomas, Aliza, and Noah; and his six siblings: Mary, Paul, Eileen, Maureid, Mildred, and Michele. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Mildred McGill.

John's catchphrase, “Let’s get the show on the road,” preceded everything from family road trips to Sunday Mass to summer visits in Marbella, Spain. His family and friends will miss him more than words can say — though they all agree that heaven better have coffee that could melt steel, Coca-Cola, and no broccoli.

A celebration of his life will be held on Monday, September 29, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Brentwood. California. All who knew and loved him (and maybe even a few who just want to tell one last “remember when John…” story) are welcome to attend. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to the Alzheimer’s Association or do something kind for someone — preferably without complaining — and raise a glass of single malt scotch to a man who lived life his own way, with love, humor, and just a touch of mischief.