"I'm a parishioner at St. Clare where Mr. McCrea was probably my all time favorite usher ever. So kind and helpful always, and humble. A few months ago at the end of mass they were honoring a couple who had been married forever and were celebrating their wedding anniversary. When that was over the priest said something about honoring Mr. McCrea. But I couldn't hear why, so I went up to him after mass and asked him. He hemmed and hawed, as though he didn't want to blow his own horn. So I said " ... must be because you're al all-round good guy," and he laughed an nodded his head. I had no idea he was 92 years old! Just a lovely fellow. My sincerest condolences to you all. You must miss him terribly."
In loving memory of
John Joseph McCrea
August 21, 1929 - January 13, 2022
John Joseph McCrea of Grosse Pointe Park died at Ascension St. John Hospital on January 13th. He was 92 and had lived most of his adult life in the Park. "Jack" owned McCrea Engineering and served the needs of the Archdiocese of Detroit in large part during his working years.
He was predeceased by his father, Joseph McCrea, mother, Mabel (Trimble) McCrea, and sisters, Aileen and Jean. Jack is survived by his daughters, Marlene (Gary) Mescher, Julie McCrea, Margo (Pete) Carlson, and his companion of many decades, Dorothy Ciesluk. In addition, he is survived by three grandchildren, Joseph (Casey) Mescher, Meredith Mescher (Kunal Bansal), and Stephanie (Nick) Ozog, and two great-grandchildren, Lauchlan and Liliana Mescher
Jack graduated from St. Philip Neri High School in Detroit in 1947. He served honorably in the Navy on active duty in the Pacific during the Korean War. Upon his return from the Navy, he joined the family company.
His Catholic faith and St. Clare of Montefalco were important parts of Jack's life. He was a longtime head usher at St. Clare and a regular attendee at Mass.
A visitation will take place from 4:00-8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 19that Verheyden Funeral Home at 16300 Mack Avenue in Grosse Pointe Park.A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Clare of Montefalco at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, January 20thwith interment at Resurrection Cemetery in Clinton Township.
Tributes
"I am so sorry to learn of Jack?s death. He, Marlene, & the girls were our neighbors on Beaconsfield in 1960-62 when my late husband, John, was a medical student at WSU & I taught at GPSH. Our daughter,Janet, used to play with Julie & her sisters & the McCreas took care of Janet when my husband drove me to the hospital to deliver our sin Bob on 1/24/60. They were such a nice family! My condolences to the girls. RuthBradfield "
"My dearest cousins, I wish you all peace in your hearts during this difficult time. Uncle Jack was loved so dearly by his entire family. I have such fond memories of him. Reminiscing in my mind I only find fond and joyful memories of his presence in my life. We were so blessed to have him as the patriarch of our family for so many wonderful years. I know he?ll be watching over all of us. That gives me comfort. God bless you my dearest Uncle. Give all our family members that have gone before us in heaven a hug. I know you?re in amazing company. Rest peacefully in the arms of our Lord ?? I love you forever and always , Marcia "
"Uncle Jack was such a kind and gentle man. He lived a full life and will be missed dearly! May he watch over us all and Rest In Peace with his family that has passed before him."