John J. McGeehan II

John James McGeehan II of the Plantsville section of Southington, passed away peacefully in the company of his loving family on his 83rd birthday, January 7, 2025. Born in Philadelphia in 1942, he was the son of the late John and Virginia (Rossi) McGeehan. He grew up surrounded by family, with his sister Margaret “Peggy” (McGeehan) Johnson and many cousins and neighborhood friends as playmates. He was a devoted son and his mother loved making his favorite Italian dishes and spoiling him. He especially enjoyed watching baseball with his dad who instilled in him his lifelong love for the Dodgers! John was athletic and enjoyed playing baseball and basketball with his many friends and was a marbles champion at his neighborhood playground. He graduated from Germantown High School in 1959. At age 17, he began working in the shoe department at JCPenney, where he excelled. He would go on to work there his whole career, rising through the ranks until he became store manager. 

John married Karyl Doscher and had two children, Lisa (McGeehan) Turgeon and John McGeehan III. The years with his young family were some of the best of his life. He was proud to teach his kids how to play ball and ride their first bikes. John loved to take family bike rides to the park, trips to the beach and go on Sunday drives. He played recreational softball as the third baseman on the Romano’s Pizza team and his family and friends loved cheering him on. John and Karyl later went their separate ways but they remained friends, sharing their love and pride for their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 

After working for JCPenney’s for 38 years, John retired early at age 55 and thoroughly enjoyed his retirement. He went on to develop many hobbies. He loved skiing, golf, jigsaw puzzles, watching the horses at Saratoga Springs and cheering for his Dodgers. He was excited to welcome two grandchildren, Alexandra “Allie” (Turgeon) Carlson and Thomas Turgeon, born to his daughter Lisa. He proudly followed their interests, sports and academic pursuits. He was delighted to welcome two great-grandchildren, Catalina and Jonah Carlson, born to his granddaughter, Allie.

The best part of John’s retirement years was meeting and falling in love with Rose Senior. The two of them cherished their time together and enjoyed traveling to special places including Nova Scotia, Key West, Charleston and especially, Savannah. The horse races at Saratoga Springs were a much-loved annual tradition for Rose and John. He taught Rose to ski at Burke Mountain, where he earned his nickname “Old Man Winter.” They went on to ski many mountains together, including Stowe, Breckenridge and the Nordkette Mountains in Austria. Rose and John spent summers at her home in New Harbor, Maine, where they were welcomed by the locals, who became close friends. They enjoyed the beautiful ocean views, hosting friends, eating lobster and working on projects together, where John proudly became handy for the first time in his life! 

Rose’s daughters, Erin, Stephanie, Kristen and Katie, all loved and were loved by John. Their children knew him as a proud and loving grandfather who attended their games, graduations and other events whenever he could. John was generous in all he did and put his lifetime JCPenney discount to good use every winter buying pajamas and slippers for a shelter in Hartford. He was friendly and liked by all who met him. His impact was far-reaching and he will be greatly missed.

John James McGeehan II is survived by his beloved significant other, Rose Senior, his daughter, Lisa (McGeehan) Turgeon and her husband Peter Turgeon, his son, John McGeehan III and his sister, Margaret “Peggy” (McGeehan) Johnson. He is survived by Lisa’s children, Alexandra “Allie” (Turgeon) Carlson and Thomas Turgeon, as well as by Allie’s husband, Scott Carlson and their children, Catalina and Jonah Carlson. He is also survived by Rose’s four daughters and ten grandchildren: Erin Senior and Lorenza Thigpen and their children, Izzabella, Alex and Elizabeth; Stephanie and David Hutchings and their children, Matthew, Alanah, Delaney, Colton, Braxton and Brinlee; Kristen Senior and Catherine Ward and her son, Jax. John is also survived by many cousins, nieces and nephews and countless friends. He was predeceased by his parents, John and Virginia McGeehan and his brother-in-law, James Johnson. 

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Tunnels to Towers Foundation (https://dogood.t2t.org) or to the American Heart Association (https://www.heart.org/) would be appreciated.

Calling hours will be on Saturday, January 18, 2025 from 9 to 11 AM at the Plantsville Funeral Home, 975 S. Main St., Plantsville, with a memorial service beginning at 11 AM. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family. For online condolences and directions, please visit www.plantsvillefuneralhome.com.