John Joseph Mctague Jr.

Dr. John J. (Jack) McTague, 77, an Albany, N.Y., native who spent most of his career as a history professor at Saint Leo University in Saint Leo, Florida, passed away peacefully at home with family on Feb. 11 after a brief but courageous battle with cancer.

John was born in Albany, the first of John and Eileen (Fitzsimmons) McTague’s five children. After completing high school at Vincentian Institute in Albany, he earned a bachelor’s degree from Siena College in Loudonville, N.Y., a master’s degree from Fordham University in New York City, and a PhD in history from the University at Buffalo.

John spent 44 years as a well-loved history professor at Saint Leo before retiring in 2020. He was passionate about teaching, but his interests extended far beyond the classroom. He was active in community theater for many years, and cherished his long-time role as a drummer and later guitarist with a popular local band called Time Warp. He traveled extensively, having visited 42 countries, often with groups that included like-minded history buffs. He spent several weeks each year in Albany, where he enjoyed reconnecting with family and friends.

His professional affiliations included leadership positions with the United Faculty of Florida and membership in the Florida Conference of Historians

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John was predeceased by his parents, John and Eileen McTague. He is survived by his wife, Kristina McTague; his stepdaughter, Elizabeth Porter; his brother, Timothy of New York City (Mary Stutzman); sisters Maureen Dana (Lawrence) of Saratoga Springs, N.Y., Sheila Addison (David) of Delancey, N.Y., and Karen Maxim (Stephen) of Lake George, N.Y. He is also survived by seven nieces and nephews, who have fond childhood memories of adventurous games of hide-and-seek at their grandmother’s house, orchestrated by their fun-loving Uncle John. Also surviving are eight great-nieces and great-nephews.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 23, at the St. Leo Abbey at the university. A reception will follow on the campus.

Those wishing to remember John in a special way may send a contribution to the Heritage Arts Center Association Inc., an arts group he served as a volunteer for some 30 years. The address is PO Box 1131, Dade City, FL, 33526, or online at heritagearts.org.