William John McCans Jr. passed away surrounded by his wife, sons, and daughter on May 30th, 2026, leaving behind a hole in the universe that will never be filled. He spent his last moments at Homestead Campground in Georgetown, DE. It was his favorite place.

He was John to everyone who knew him, but also went by many other names throughout his time- including Dad, Big J, Pop-Pop, and Old Man. He was born in Philadelphia, PA on April 20th, 1961 to William and Betty McCans and grew up in Havertown, PA with his brother, Jim. He attended Malvern Preparatory School; during those high school years is when he met his future wife, Maggie. They became closer through their involvement with Upper Darby Summer Stage and wed on August 10th, 1985. Their enduring marriage spanned more than 40 years.

John was dedicated to his community and served as a volunteer firefighter for decades. He started his career at Manoa Fire Company, moved to Clifton Heights and Glenolden, and was especially proud of his time as Chief Engineer with Woodlyn Fire Company. The members there were family, both figuratively and literally. Four of his sons served along with him.

While not volunteering, John worked as a bus driver with SEPTA for 31 years and as a dispatcher and officer with Swarthmore College Public Safety for 18 years. He remained close to numerous of his coworkers and their families. Upon retiring from both of those jobs, he spent a few years working in the transportation department at Interboro School District, where he built valuable relationships with the students he took to and from school.

First and foremost, though, John was devoted to his large and loud family. The expansive legacy he built includes the love of his life, Maggie, their eight children, and eight grandchildren- Shaun (his wife Jeane and their kids Harper and Liam), Tim (his wife Staci and their sons Callen and Craig), Kyle (his girlfriend Graci and their kids Timmy and Emma), Dan (his wife Nicole and their daughter Lucy), Meaghan, Cory (his wife Bryn and their daughter Mackenzie), Jeremy, and Thomas. Additionally, John leaves behind his mom, Betty, his brother, Jim, and has a lengthy list of nieces, cousins, and friends that will miss him deeply. Lastly, there are too many of his children’s friends that also considered him a father to name.

John will be remembered for his jokes and the stories he told. Everyone who knew him has a fond memory of the time they spent with him, no matter how short it was. He will also be remembered for his selflessness; John would jump into action for anyone who needed him at only a moment’s notice, no matter the time of day. The way he gave his all until the end was what made him the kind, brave, unique, funny, steadfast man that left a mark on an immeasurable amount of lives. He was a Swiss Farms Diet Iced Tea aficionado, too, if you’d like to get a gallon and think of him.

Following John’s wishes, there won’t be a funeral service. Instead, a casual wake/celebration of life will be held in his honor at Woodlyn Fire Company (228 Fairview Road Woodlyn, PA 19094) on Saturday, June 20th at 2pm. All are welcome to stop by. The family will also have a private gathering at a later date.

Arrangements are in the care of Short Funeral Services in Georgetown, Delaware. Online condolences may be shared at www.shortfuneralservicesandcremation.com