It’s hard to find the right words to describe the deep loss we feel for John, a wonderful husband and dad. He passed away quietly at the Algoma Residential Community Hospice (ARCH) on Saturday, April 18, 2026, surrounded by his wife and two daughters. He was 64.
John shared a loving marriage of 28 years with his wife Maria (née Adamo). They enjoyed traveling together, trying different foods, going on walks, and playing Scrabble and crosswords. As a dad, John was proud and devoted to Joanna and Angela-his daughters absolutely adored him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Fergus and Lena Murtha. He will be deeply missed by his mother-in-law Teresa Adamo (late Arturo). John is survived by his siblings Kathy (late John), Phil (Diane), Patricia Harrison (Ed), and Colleen Fraser (Mike). He was a cherished uncle to Naythan (Michelle), Christopher, Collin, and great-uncle to Owyn. His brothers-in-law David and Mark Adamo also remember him fondly. John’s many friends and extended family across Canada and Ireland will always hold him close.
John grew up in Lindsay, Ontario where he made countless friends who stayed part of his life for decades. He had a special lifelong friendship with Guy Skipworth that lasted 60 years. We want to give a shout out to all the guys from the Scugog Poker group who shared those long friendships with him.
A career highlight for John was being a passionate radio broadcaster. Most of his 35 years on air were spent in Sault Ste. Marie where people knew his voice well. He cared deeply about local news reporting and got to interview many important figures like Premiers, Prime Ministers, Olympians-and local officials too.
Sports were another big part of John’s life-whether he was playing them himself or just watching or coaching others. Starting hockey at five years old kept him active through soccer and baseball as well. Recently he got into pickleball with the local crowd there even while going through treatment-he didn’t let that stop him from playing! He cheered hard for the Toronto Maple Leafs, Blue Jays, and Raptors hoping one day the Leafs would win another Stanley Cup again. Coaching youth soccer for both daughters brought him so much joy too; practicing with them in their backyard was special.
Music filled John’s world as well; hours were spent learning new songs on piano or guitar at home where his singing brought warmth all around us-we’ll really miss that voice now. Passing this love on to his girls meant taking them along to violin or piano lessons often too. And honestly? His take on “American Pie” will be something we’ll never forget whenever family gets together.
John showed us what it means to be caring without putting himself first; he loved having fun but always thought about others ahead of himself too. Helping out locally mattered lots – volunteering time for events like Terry Fox Run or organizations like Heart & Stroke Foundation plus Salvation Army Food Bank gave real meaning during those moments when giving back felt necessary most.
The healthcare team supporting John throughout cancer treatment deserves huge thanks-from Drs Tian Xiao , Michela Febbraro , Andrew Pearce , plus all nurses at Cancer Clinic -special mention goes out also toward Lisa , Bayshore Home Care nurse whose kindness stood out clearly during tough times. Further appreciation toward Drs Kuntz , Buehner , White , Curran , Masters , Wolf along with nurses/staff on unit 3B at Sault Area Hospital especially PSW Amy whose compassion we won’t forget. Finally ARCH staff caring lovingly during John’s last week had our family forever grateful feelings.
No matter what came during this fight against cancer John kept an upbeat attitude despite it all – staying strong & brave right till end while still thinking about others more than himself constantly – that kind of spirit inspires us every day now & always holds special place inside hearts everywhere.
If you’d like to say goodbye or share memories please come visit Northwood Funeral Home Cremation & Reception Centre located at 942 Great Northern Rd ; phone number is 705-945-7758. Visit time will be Saturday April 25th starting from 10:00 AM until service begins exactly at noon inside chapel there. Burial follows entombment ceremony held later at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery Mausoleum.
John cared deeply about raising money & awareness fighting cancer so donations can be made in his honor either directly through Algoma Residential Community Hospice(ARCH) ; Sault Area Hospital Cancer Care Fund ; or Tracy’s Dream which helped patients like John get parking passes while receiving treatments locally.
You can leave your condolences online anytime over at www. northwoodfuneral. com
