John C. "Jack" Ference

John C. "Jack" Ference passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on June 16, 2023. 

Jack was born in Hazelton PA on January 12,1934. He was predeceased by his parents John and Sarah, sister Mary McGlynn, and his beloved wife Joan (DiDonato).

Jack served honorably in the Air Force. While based in Spokane, Washington, Jack and his four best friends, each fellow airmen of the 92nd squadron, spent their free time building an orphanage for the sisters of St. Francis. This was one of Jack’s proudest achievements in life.

After returning to PA, Jack married the love of his life Joan (DiDonato) settled in Drexel Hill and they happily raised 5 children. 

As a lover of aviation and helicopters, Jack found the perfect job working in the tooling department of Boeing until he retired at 63.

Jack was an avid Notre Dame football fan, traveling to South Bend for many games and never missed one on TV. He loved the Phillies, while hating the bullpen. He loved to fish, summers at the shore, but most of all loved spending time with his large family telling stories and making them laugh. 

Survived by his children Maryann O’Shea (Joe), Joe McMahon (Bonnie), Bob McMahon (Linda), John McMahon (Ellen), Maureen (Mark), 12 Grandchildren Joey (Sara), Caitlin (Greg), Matthew (Kate), Ryan (Megan), Kate, Tom, Samantha (Joe) Mac, Emily, Hope, Brooke and Tori. And 8 Great-grandchildren Aisley, Chase, Shea, Carrigan, Jackson, Ryan, Cole, and Lilly.  

Relatives and friends are invited to his Viewing Friday, June 23, 2023, 8:45- 10:15 AM at the Donohue Funeral Home, 3300 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square, PA 19073, followed by his Funeral Mass 11:00 AM at St. Dorothy’s Church, 4910 Township Line Rd., Drexel Hill, PA 19026. Interment SS Peter & Paul Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers please donate to St. Jude’s Children Hospital, 501 St. Jude Pl., Memphis, TN 38105, stjude.org, Jack’s favorite charity.