John Martin "Jack" Firely

We remember John Martin Firely from Audubon, PA, whose spirit departed us on Thursday January 16, 2025. John, better known as Jack, was born in Swedesburg, PA on June 12, 1939 to the late John and Nelly (nee Anasiewicz) Firely. John had an older sister Dolly, and two younger brothers, Robert and Richard who preceded him in death.

John was part of the first graduating class of Bishop Kenrick High School in Norristown, where he excelled at both academics and sports being one of the star players on the BKHS football team. In 1958, John enlisted in the US Navy where he served his country for 2 years of active duty traveling abroad and 6 years on the reserve. After his honorable discharge, John married his childhood sweetheart Margaret Abbey, better known as Peggy.

While raising 6 children and working as a laborer for PECO, John attended Villanova University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering. John worked his way up the PECO corporate ladder shedding his laborer role and quickly advancing to District Engineer for Corrosion Control. After a lengthy 35 years with PECO, John worked for the US Department of Transportation as East Coast Inspector for oil and gas pipe lines. There he remained for another 7 years and decided to retire.

John was best known as a family man and spent the majority of his free time coaching or playing sports with his children. John loved the beach, and spent most family vacations in Sea Isle City swimming and playing run the bases with his family. As grandchildren came, John would come to many of his grandchildren’s games and concerts. He always made himself available to his family in such that his family always came first.

He is survived by his wife, Margaret A. (nee Abbey); 6 children, Laura Miscioscia (Joseph), John “Marty” (Holly), Monica Firely, David (Stacy), Stephen, and Gregory (Krista); 10 grandchildren, and 10 great grandchildren.

Family and friends are invited to attend a viewing from 9:45 to 10:45 am followed by Funeral Mass 11:00 am on Wednesday, January 22, 2025 at Visitation BVM Lower Church, 196 N. Trooper Rd., Eagleville, Pa 19403. Entombment will follow in St. Patrick Mausoleum, Norristown, Pa.

In lieu of flowers contributions in John’s memory may be made to Ancora Spero, horse therapy for abused or medically fragile children on Freedom Acres Farm in Perkiomenville www.ancoraspero.org

Arrangements entrusted to Szpindor-Meyers Funeral Home.