John Frederick Cady

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved John Cady, who peacefully left us on November 28th, 2024, at the age of 78. John was born on July 9th, 1946, in Auburn, NY, to Lewellyn and Eileen O’Hare Cady.

John was a beacon of light, love and knowledge, touching the lives of everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. From an early age, he exhibited an extraordinary sense of empathy and a genuine desire to help others. His passion for education was evident in everything he did and often used real life experiences in his lectures and case studies. John put his all into everything he embarked on and was dedicated to making the lives of his loved ones better, sometimes by just being a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on or a solution to a problem. His philanthropy stretched far and wide, whether it be a church, charity or a loved one he was always willing to be generous when someone or something was in need. John loved to travel and visited some of the most exotic places around the world, often times you could name a country or a city and he had great story to tell about his experiences while visiting that place.

Throughout his life, John achieved numerous milestones that spoke to his dedication and hard work. He graduated from State University of New York with a degree in Economics. He continued his education at The University of Buffalo where he earned an MBA and subsequently a PhD in Management and Public Policy. John took that robust education and began his career as a professor in various areas of business. He followed his passion to educate college students for 50 years at some of the most prestigious universities in the United States. He began his teaching career at the University of Arizona and went on to hold various positions at Harvard, MIT, Duke and finally Indiana University where he retired from earlier this year. John was also a visiting professor over the years at universities in South Africa, France, Canada and Japan. He has been published in numerous books, articles and educational materials. At these universities he also served on various committees and councils to help excel their business school programs. Outside of education John was used as an expert in many Administrative Regulation and Antitrust cases over the course of his career. The number of academic awards, activities and special recognitions he received throughout his life are abundant and prestigious to say the least. His commitment to excellence was unwavering, and he earned the respect and admiration of colleagues and peers alike.

John aka ‘Alpha’ aka ‘Bompa’ was the heart of the family, a loving husband, parent, sibling, and a loyal friend. He is survived by his wife, Carol Tetro. John and Carol were high school sweethearts but reconnected later in life that proved to be the exact right time for them both. They rekindled their relationship and married in December of 2021. John is also survived by his daughter, Marissa Cady of Tonawanda, NY; son, Matthew Cady of Tonawanda, NY; sons, Mark Tetro (Leslie wife, children Brady, Alyssa, Riley, Brady) and Brian Tetro (Megan); grandchildren, Alexander Cady, Parker Tetro and August Tetro; sisters, Mary Lou (John) Boudet of Slidell, LA, Carolyn (Tony) Schnurr of Austin, TX, Kathleen (Chris) Bean of Brunswick, GA; sister-in-law, Teresa Cady and many nieces and nephews. John is predeceased by his brother, Alan Cady. His legacy of love and compassion will live on through them and the countless lives he touched.

Visitation will be held from 12:00 Noon - 1:00pm followed by a Celebration of John's Life from 1:00-3:00pm on December 6th, 2024, in Blount & Curry Life Event Center – MacDill Avenue, Tampa, FL.

Friends and family are invited to join us in honoring his memory and sharing stories of the joy he brought into our lives.

In these moments of sorrow, we take comfort in knowing that John's spirit will always be with us, guiding us with the love and wisdom he so generously shared. He will be deeply missed but forever remembered.

May John rest in eternal peace.