Dear Friends of Gonzaga,
I’m deeply saddened to share the news of the death of John J. Carmody, Jr. of the Gonzaga Class of ’54. A loving husband of fifty-seven years to his wife, Mary Ann, a devoted father (John W. ’82, William ’84, Michael ’85, and Chrissy (Stone Ridge ’88)), and loving grandfather (Claire, Will '22, Colin ’18, and Ryan).
John was a humble, yet iconic, part of the fabric of Eye Street in ways that are hard to fully capture here. For decades he served as Gonzaga’s General Counsel. He was one of the founding coordinators of Gonzaga’s Carmody Lynn Open, an annual golf tournament that honors the memory of John’s brother, Kevin ’62, and benefits a Gonzaga scholarship fund that provides tuition assistance for students without a father in their lives. John was the recipient of the Gonzaga Alumni Association’s Man of the Year Award (1990), and the St. Aloysius Medal (2005). Truthfully, these moments of recognition only partially highlight the essence of the man and how much of himself he gave to Gonzaga. In short, John was tireless in his devotion to Gonzaga. He loved Gonzaga, and so much of his heart and soul were poured into this place. Though he will be greatly missed, his efforts on Gonzaga’s behalf will be long remembered.
He was a trusted confidant and advisor to many Gonzaga Presidents: Fr. Sweeney, Fr. Dooley, Fr. Novotny, Fr. Planning, and myself. Most recently, as I assumed the presidency, I asked his advice as I began my term, John stated simply, yet clearly, “Beat St. John’s!”
As General Counsel, he negotiated and reviewed numerous contracts and agreements, all to the lasting benefit of Gonzaga. In the late 1960’s and early 1970’s, he was one of the influential advocates for keeping Gonzaga here on Eye Street in the heart of D.C., a city John loved.
I hope you will take a moment to look through the photos on this page and click on the buttons below to read more about John, including his St. Al’s citation and obituary. These represent and serve to remind us of what it means to be, truly, a Man for Others.
John, I thank you, and most importantly, GONZAGA THANKS YOU!!!
Kindly commend John, and the consolation of his family, in your prayers.
Saints of God, come to his aid!
Hasten to meet him, angels of the Lord!
Receive his soul and present him to God the Most High.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon him.
May John now rest in peace. Amen.
Sincerely,
Rev. Joseph E. Lingan, SJ ‘75
President