John served on The Pittsburgh Foundation's Board of Directors for 18 years, including five years with distinction as Chairman of the Board. He died Feb. 13, 1996, at the age of 81.
Friends described John as a man of humility, known for his "warmth, caring, humor and gentleman's approach." A native of South Carolina, he loved Pittsburgh and immersed himself vigorously in any opportunity for involvement throughout his life, contributing actively to civic, cultural, educational, religious and medical organizations and charities.
"There was nothing put-offish, pin-stripey or stiff about his approach," Alfred W. Wishart Jr., past president of The Pittsburgh Foundation, told the Post-Gazette in 1996. "He used to smoke cigars. You know a man who blows smoke rings is OK."
John moved to Pittsburgh after graduating from Princeton in 1935. He worked for Farmer's Bank, which later merged with Mellon Bank, and put himself through Duquesne University Law School's night program. He was a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy during World War II.
In 1978 he retired as Senior Vice President of Mellon's Trust Division and went on to work for a time for a local venture capital firm; he also did legal work for Reed Smith Shaw & McClay downtown.
Type of Fund
- Unrestricted