Submitted by: Dan Rich

John McSorley Sr.

Sept. 2, 1925 - Jan. 17, 2008

South Bend Tribune 1/20/2008
MISHAWAKA - The man better known as "Mac" to thousands of Mishawaka High School students and teachers and his shipmates during World War II died Thursday morning at the age of 82. John was born to the late Charles James and Myrtle Mae (Ferrell) McSorley in 1925 in New Bern, North Carolina. He was the fourth of six children born into a traditional Irish Catholic family, growing up during the Great Depression. Mac enlisted in the Navy during World War II at the age of 17. He served as a boatswain's mate and an anti-aircraft gunner's mate on the Landing Ship LST 1017 in the South Pacific. His crew experienced several battles with enemy ships, submarines and aircraft, but he and most of his shipmates survived to make it home. After World War II, Mac spent a total of 21 years in the Navy, including the Korean War.

After World War II, he married the late Dorothy Loud from New York City. Dorothy passed away in 1953. When stationed in San Diego he met the former Mary Ann Fischer of South Bend and they were married in 1959. After retiring from the Navy in 1963, Mac finished his education degree at Ball State University and started teaching at Main Jr. High School in Mishawaka. After earning his master's degree from Indiana University, he transferred to Mishawaka High School where he taught English and drama.

Over 24 years at Mishawaka, Mac produced and directed dozens of student plays and musicals, and was a true teacher to thousands of kids. His students remember him for his stories, his sense of humor, and his vast collection of bow ties. Mac was well-known in the community, and his personality, flair and enthusiasm for life were a joy to so many people.

He was a parishioner at Christ the King Catholic Church, a member of Clay Township Lions Club, the American Legion, and was a former director of the Presbyterian Players in South Bend and the Tin Shop Playhouse in Buchanan, MI. He is survived by his wife, Mary Ann; his five children, Doreen (Novak), Catherine, John Jr., Michael and Patrick; 18 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. His sister, Ruth Haner, and two brothers, Pete and M.J. McSorley, still reside in North Carolina. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Charles James Jr. and Albert Thomas McSorley. He will be missed.

Visitation will be from 2 to 5 and 6 to 8 PM Monday, Jan. 21, 2008, in the Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Drive, South Bend, IN, where a parish Rosary will be said at 4 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2008, in Christ the King Catholic Church, where military services will also be conducted. Cremation will follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Center for Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 111 Sunnybrook Court, South Bend, IN 46637.