It's three years now John is gone. More of my friends are passing. The woman who took the photos of John and I in The Circus just passed a year ago. Her family had a Celebration of Life last weekend.  There was a man in the audience at that last show John and I performed in together named Dana Smith. Because of seeing that show Dana decided to join that circus. He had a wonderful career as a street performer. He died 6 months ago. For anyone reading this, life passes, bot loved ones stay. I have started writing to my loved ones, the ones still living. It's called 30 Days of You ,(insert name of loved one). I tell them what I might have said in a eulogy at their memorial. I share with them my observations of what we have meant to each other over the years...anecdotes that involve feelings and ideas we have shared. 30 Days...only 10 minutes of writing. It's easy, it's hard, sometimes I skip a day or I forget, bit once committed to it, I finish the 30 Days. Try it with your friends, your loved ones. I wish I had thought of this when John was alive.

John was a wonderful person and an incredible brother in law. He was more like a brother than an in law. We had wonderful times together with the family, traveling or dining at home. He could make me laugh like no other. I always smile when I think of him. 

About 15 years ago, John and I attended the first reunion of members of The Royal Lichtenstein Circus in a theater in San Jose, CA called Flaherty's Pub. My brother, Ron Pellegrini, organized it for us since the pub was his father-in-law's. I had not seen John since 1973, when we performed the last of our 260 shows in 360 days on the road with RLC. He and I performed a couple of vaudeville routines together (Niteclock and The Mirror Routine) to the amusement of all involved: alum and attendees. We then went downstairs to the pub for lunch. That's when he told me about his son's tragedy. It was still a fresh wound. The next night, we all went out together to a Chinese restaurant dinner which John, unbeknownst to the rest of us, had arranged to pick up the tab. Typical John. We had expected to see him this past weekend in Baraboo, WI at the Circus World Museum Parade, the last time elephants would walk in the parade. He had confirmed and was going to stay in the bungalow I had rented. I was so looking forward to seeing him. We toasted John as only circus folks could: we raised a glass and saluted 'see you down the big road, John'. He is missed, remembered and loved in our circus world.

Jean,

So sorry to hear of John's passing. He was a classmate of mine at SI (1971). Always a good guy! I last saw the two of you as you hosted a delightful dinner at your Sonoma home about 5 years ago. I will keep him in my prayers.

Brendan Kearney

Jean I am sorry for your loss. Despite sitting on the opposite sides of the table John was always a gentleman.  My sincerest condolences to your family.

Sheila Gropper Nelson

John as the Narrator of a Japanese fairytale: The Frogs from Kyoto — with John MacConaghy

Our last show together on tour with The Royal Lichtenstein Circus — with John MacConaghy

On behalf of all the members of The Royal Lichtenstein 1/4-Ring Sidewalk Circus (John's circus brother and sisters for life) we would like to extend our sincerest condolences and sympathies to Jean and Pierce, and John's whole family. 

May his memory be a blessing. 

And as we say in the circus, "See you down the road..."

My heart is heavy for you.  I had many cases against John over the past four decades and he was always so decent to deal with.  Smart and tough but gracious and a gentleman.  I have nothing but fond memories and I’m so sorry for your loss.

Michael Malter

John was just a wonderful person. 

I was sad to hear this news. He was good person. He was a long time member of the Bay Area Bankruptcy Forum and also spoke at several credit functions for NACM in Sonoma County.  Always a gentleman. My sincere sympathy. 

So sad to learn of John's passing.   I knew him for decades, as a lawyer, sometimes but not always an adversary.   He was a superb attorney, but more importantly, John was a straight shooter, and an efficient advocate.  

Condolences to Jean.   

/ron oliner