John played football at B-CC, but talent in drawing and painting led him to the Corcoran School of the Arts and Design in WDC. He served two years in the US Army Reserve. When he and his wife Joan moved to Middletown, MD, in 1973, he opened an art framing shop based in his home studio. Later, he painted decorative bird carvings. As a Scoutmaster, he spent many hours supporting scouts as they endeavored to earn the Eagle Scout Award. An avid gardener, he grew many vegetables to donate to the local food bank. He valued the discipline of daily exercise such as swimming and strength training. He was devoted to his family, community, and faith. He was predeceased by his wife of 53 years, and by his brother William and his sister Mary Margaret; he is survived by children John McNamara, Jr., Helen McNamara Fine, and Elizabeth McNamara Underkoffler.