Obituary: John (Jack) McKay

June 12, 1940 – May 17, 2026

John McKay, known as Jack, left his family and friends on Sunday, May 17th. Jack was born on June 12th,1940 in Allentown, PA to John E. and Kathryn Rice McKay; he grew up in Livingston, NJ. Jack was a graduate of Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA. His career focused on consulting with banks, insurance companies, law firms and retirement plan administration firms regarding rules and regulations related to 401(k) and other retirement plans. He and his partner sold their consulting firm, McKay Hochman, in 1996.

Jack is survived by his wife of 29 years, Leslieann (Leslie) Gallagher, whom he met in one of his training sessions, and his beloved dogs, Lucy and Sophie. His parents, younger brother, Donald, and younger sister, Dianne, and his fishing buddy, Casey, (pictured) preceded him in death. He is survived by seven nieces and nephews and their children. Jack and Leslie moved to Carbondale from Evergreen in 2010 where Jack became an active and enthusiastic member of the Carbondale Rotary Club.

Jack was an avid skier and fisherman; he volunteered as an Ambassador at the Winter Park ski area for 11 years. His happiest moments were on the slopes or the river.

Donations can be made to Trout Unlimited, Nature Conservancy, Hospice of the Valley, or Valley View Hospital. A Celebration of Life will be held later in the year.