John Henry McConey Jr. was born on October 23, 1945 in the Bronx, NY to John Sr. and Marian McConey. He was raised in the Edenwald Houses in the Bronx, with his 3 younger siblings. He graduated from DeWitt Clinton H.S. As a teenager, John was smitten by a beautiful young lady, Mable Carter. The couple married in 1964. They had 4 daughters, Robin, Jill, Melody, and Renee. John and Mable raised their daughters in Red Hook, Brooklyn.
John was lovingly called “The Best Dad” by his daughters. John’s motto was always “Family First”. This also manifested into the lives of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They affectionately called him “The Greatest Grandpa”. John was adored by so many, he was even called “Dad” or “Grandpa” by so many of his kids’ friends.
John was also known as “Gypsy”, mainly for his unique looks and sharp style. He was a dapper man and was routinely complimented for his classy ascots, sharp hats, tailored attire, and polished shoes.
In early years, John was a music executive for RCA Records. He was also an early member of the Bronx Doo Wop group, The Crests. Later, he was a Housing Inspector, an Iron Welder, and clerk with a law firm. He retired in 1999, but enjoyed working for a few more years.
John was also a phenomenal artist. His created impressive sculptures and striking abstract paintings. Furthermore, he was a philanthropist. John started his Tools for Schools Foundation with his own money. Every year, he purchased school supplies for children in-need.
John died peacefully in New Brunswick, NJ, on March 30, 2015 at the age of 69. John is preceded in death by his parents John and Marian McConey, his first daughter Robin McConey, and his brothers, Richard Tillman McConey and Marvin Dennis McConey. John is survived by his wife, Mable McConey; his daughters, Jill St. John McConey, Melody Lauren McConey, and Renee McConey; sons-in-law, Ammishaddai Judah, Antonio Vergara, and Danny Simpson; his 10 grandchildren, Erik Satterthwaite, Khiel Gibbons, Jared Gibbons, Jazmin Gibbons, Lauren Evans, Raven Evans, Antonio Vergara Jr, Heaven Vergara, Daniel Simpson, and Sharita Simpson; granddaughters-in-law Reneisha Adkins and Desiree Barnes; his 4 great-grandchildren Justin Dean, Jordan Satterthwaite, Josiah Satterthwaite, and Kai’elle Gibbons; his sister Carla Dockeray and brother-in law Dr. Alan Dockeray; his 4 nephews, Kyle, Marvin Jr, Louis, and Tillman; and a long list of extended family and friends.
