John Joseph McEnroe Jr.

John Joseph McEnroe Jr., of Lauderhill, Florida, passed away peacefully on August 29, 2026, in Pompano Beach. Born April 11, 1944 in Wayne, New Jersey, John lived a full and colorful life, touching countless people with his humor, stories, friendship, and unmistakable personality.

John was married to his beloved wife, Ann McEnroe, for 22 years. He is also survived by his children, John (Gina) McEnroe III and Kim (Scott) McCawley ; his sisters, Mary Barrett and Kathleen (Roger) Zocki ; his grandchildren, Holly, Heather (Kevin) Hodge, John McEnroe IV; Matthew, and Hailey; 13 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

He was predeceased by his first wife, Rosemary, in 1998, son James McEnroe in 1971, and by his parents, John McEnroe Sr. and Regina McEnroe. He was also preceded in death by his beloved furry family members, Bessie, Lucky, and Bailey, who held a special place in his heart.

If there was one thing John loved above all else, it was food. First and foremost, John loved to eat and he never hesitated to share his opinions about a good meal and believed everything tastes better with Ketchup.

John was a passionate baseball and football fan, with a special love for the New York Yankees and the Miami Dolphins. He was also fascinated by trains and could spend hours talking about them. A proud Irishman and history buff, John had a particular fondness for President John F. Kennedy and enjoyed learning, remembering, and sharing what he knew.

Affectionately self-named “The Grinch,” John was anything but grumpy when it came to people. He never met a stranger. His ability to talk to just about anyone and make himself known earned him another beloved nickname: “The Mayor.” And like any good mayor, John always seemed to know what was going on—from politics to the latest neighborhood news, including, of course, what the neighbor was wearing.

Born Deaf, John attended the New Jersey School for the Deaf, an experience of which he remained incredibly proud throughout his life. He treasured the friendships he made there and maintained connections with many of his classmates for decades.

John was a hard worker and took great pride in being useful. He worked for the Sun-Tattler as a linotypist and later as a plate maker until the Hollywood newspaper closed in 1991. He later worked with Fr. Jim Vitucci at Schott Memorial, taking on whatever job needed to be done…from cutting the lawn to transporting students. John loved working, teaching others, helping wherever he could, and, perhaps most of all, socializing.

John lived life on his own terms. He loved people, loved conversation, loved a good story, and certainly loved a little gossip. He had a gift for making connections and leaving an impression. Whether he was talking baseball, history, politics, trains, food, or the latest neighborhood news, John had something to say—and he was always happy to say it.

To know John was to know his humor, his opinions, his stories, and his larger-than-life personality. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, classmates, former coworkers, and all those who had the pleasure of knowing “The Grinch”

His memory will live on in the many people whose lives he touched, the stories that will continue to be told, and the family and friends who loved him.