John Woodford Myers

John Woodford Myers October 10, 1930 — January 25, 2026

John Myers, 95, of Clearwater, Florida, passed away peacefully on January 25, 2026. A native of Upstate New York, John was born on October 10, 1930, and was the beloved son of the late Clyde Blaine Myers and Louise Woodford Agard Myers.

A Life of Service and Character

John’s formative years were spent working diligently on his family’s farm alongside his brothers, Ken and Don. In 1950, he answered the call to serve his country by joining the United States Air Force. During the Korean War, John served as a radar operator and was stationed in Germany for three years, where he also played baseball. He traveled widely throughout Europe, gaining experiences that would shape his character. Among his many military memories, he recalled being entrusted as a recruit with the responsibility for 1,500 men on a train journey from San Antonio to Biloxi. John’s service was marked by dedication, earning him the rank of Sergeant.

Education and Love

After his honorable discharge in 1954, John attended Syracuse University on the GI Bill, graduating in 1958 with a degree in Geography and Economics. Shortly thereafter, a chance meeting at an Irish dance led him to Philomena McHugh, who would become the love of his life. John and Philomena were married on July 6, 1963. Their sixty-year journey together took them from Brooklyn to Queens Village, NY, then to West Chester, PA, and eventually to the sunshine of Palm Harbor and Clearwater, FL.

Professional Dedication and Community Spirit

John’s career was distinguished by his commitment to leadership and community service. From 1960 to 1988, he served as Executive Director for several branches of the YMCA, including those in the Bronx, Flatbush, Eastern Queens, and West Chester. John was respected for his integrity, steady leadership, and the genuine care he extended to both his staff and the communities he served.

Beyond his professional achievements, John was deeply involved in youth sports and community organizations. He enthusiastically shared his love for baseball, football, and basketball with his children, serving as a Little League coach and as an active leader in the Boy Scouts. Whether coaching on the sidelines or mentoring at scout meetings, John was a constant source of encouragement and guidance.

A Steady Legacy

While Philomena was known for her “gift of the gab,” John was the quiet, steadfast presence at the heart of the family. He was a man of gentle strength, with interests that included politics, gardening, and travel. After moving to Florida in 1992, John Myers enjoyed golfing—scoring two holes-in-one—and found fulfillment volunteering at the Chi-Chi Rodriquez golf course, where he dedicated his time to supporting at-risk and underprivileged kids.

Reunited in Peace

John is now reunited with his beloved wife, Philomena, who passed away in 2023. Their family takes comfort in knowing they are together again, at peace, sharing a dance and laughs as they did when they first met so many years ago.

Family and Legacy

John’s greatest pride was the family he and Philomena built together:

· His Four Children: Brian, Andrew, Eric, and Tracy.

· His Seven Grandchildren: Kelsey, Christopher, Patrick, Hannah, Erin, Brennan, and Hayden.

· Preceded in Death by: His parents and his siblings, Ken, Don, Lois, Seely, and Eleanor.

Celebration of Life

Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life with Military Honors to be held at:

Regency Oaks (South Building) 2701 Regency Oaks Blvd, Clearwater on Friday, February 20th at 11am.