Age 75 – passed away December 23, 2021. Son of the late Howard and Mary. He is survived by one brother and numerous nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.
John was born on July 5th 1946, to Mary and Howard Greenley of Philadelphia. He was the baby of the family. With beautiful blue eyes and a big smile he was the apple of Marys’ eye. He was charming, kind and had a big personality, that captured your attention.
Thru grade school John was a trumpet bugler, who traveled doing competitions, parades and funerals. He was very proud of that. He always had a knack for music, of all genres. He never missed a beat even in his last days wanted music played.
Thru life John had many jobs, he was proud of working at Finer’s, newspaper boy, and beer distributor delivery. After high school John was drafted into the Army, deployed to Vietnam. He spent a few years overseas and when he returned he promised his grandparents he would always take care of them, and dedicated his whole life to caring for them always.
John was a giver and succeeded in everything he did. He went to college for a few semester and ended up teaching at night. He loved coffee and homemade food. He purchased multiple auto mechanic shops through the years ending with Greenley Motor Service at Rorer & Ontario Streets, being his last .
He loved the guys who worked for him like family, he loved and took care of the neighborhood/ community like they were his own family as well. Although, John had never married or had any children, the nieces and nephews, friends’ kids, were his children and all his patrons were his family. He had serviced Ascension, Holy Innocents, St Hugh’s, and even St Ann’s, priests and nuns vehicles. The community was his family.
He loved his animals dearly as they were his children and they lived a very loving golden life. John loved parties, Christmas, the family being together, dancing and taking care of you. Being the baby of the family, he was their protector and provider. He treated his friends and anyone he met like family. He loved Philadelphia and all it’s history, his family history, old war movies, John Wayne, game shows, his country and was very proud of wearing his Vietnam veteran hat and clothing.
John was the epitome of the word “ Giver” He gave to everyone and every animal or military fund he could. His light will always shine, his blue eyes and smile and hug, will never be forgotten.
Relatives, friends and former patrons of Greenley Motors are invited to his viewing Monday 10 AM at The Guckin Funeral Mansion 3330 G St. Philadelphia
Funeral Service 11:30 AM. Interment Oakland Cemetery.
RIP Johnny with all of your family that preceded you,
RIP my sweet Cuz reunited with you later but we had the bond. Love ya always John. You can rest easy now. Your charges have been fulfilled. I know Jesus welcomed you with open arms.
John Greenley, our car mechanic for many years, had a soft spot for our little girl who has down syndrome. He kept her picture taped behind his counter. He always gave us a deal. He kept our cars going. We loved seeing his dogs at the shop, especially old blue. We haven’t been able to find another like him. May the good Lord bless him for his goodness and kindness to a struggling family from Kensington. John was a veteran and a great American! All our respect goes out to him.