Obituaries
John S. May, 86
December 7, 1937 - November 13, 2024
John Summers May of Millersville, Pennsylvania passed away on November 13, 2024, at the age of 86 due to complications from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. John was a loving husband, father and brother, accomplished attorney, community leader and devoted friend to many. He will be dearly missed.
Born December 7, 1937, in Lancaster, PA, John was the son of Frances Hartman May and Louis Skyles May. An energetic child, John spent much of his adolescence exploring his family farm on Old Philadelphia Pike and the woods and waters around Lancaster County. His passion for the outdoors carried into his adulthood, and his leisure time was most happily spent on the water with a fishing rod in his hand.
John graduated from Dartmouth College in 1959, after which he completed officer candidate school in Pensacola, FL and joined his squadron in the United States Navy. He served his country for four years as a pilot and navigator aboard Lockheed P2V Neptunes, flying primarily out of Norfolk Naval Air Station. He and his fellow crew members tracked Russian submarines in the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico, including during the Cuban missile crisis.
After a five-year whirlwind courtship, John married Barbara Snavely in 1964. They raised three unique children and celebrated 60 years of marriage in August. In 2000, they built a home outside Millersville that served as a gathering place for multiple generations of their family and many friends.
After his honorable discharge from the Navy, John enrolled in Villanova Law School, and graduated with a Juris Doctor degree in 1966. Following his graduation, he was admitted to the Pennsylvania bar and spent a year working as a law clerk for the Hon. John L. Bowman, Orphans’ Court Judge for the Lancaster County Court of Common Pleas. He joined his father in the practice of law at 49 North Duke Street in Lancaster and continued working as an attorney at that location with a variety of partners for 58 years. John served in various volunteer capacities on the board of the Lancaster Bar Association, including as president in 1999. He was a fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, and succeeded as a lawyer by combining his disarming kindness, intelligence and common sense to develop practical solutions to complex legal problems. He was joined at the firm by his son, John H. May, in 2004 and retired in August of 2024. He loved nothing more than spending time with his office family and his loyal clients. He hoped to live to see the firm celebrate 100 years of service to the Lancaster community in 2029, but the nomination of Matt Gaetz as Donald Trump’s Attorney General was simply too much for his heart and his sense of justice to take.
John loved technology, and was proud that his law office was one of the earliest firms in Lancaster to incorporate computers into its work processes in the early 1980s. A self-taught programmer, he created multiple legal software applications using Lotus 123. He sold a program to the Lancaster County Office of Domestic Relations that quickly calculated child support payments using a formula prescribed by the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure. The program dramatically increased the speed and accuracy of calculations that were previously performed by hand. Similarly, John wrote software which he branded “Circalc,” which performed the laborious “circle” calculation required to complete the Federal Estate Tax Return, which he sold to trust and estate lawyers across the Commonwealth and the country.
A loyal and loving friend, John was proudly sober and was happiest when he was serving others, whether that was “in the rooms” or during his 12 years as a Manor Township Supervisor. By the end of his second term in office as a supervisor, like many local government officials, he often joked that he was unsure whether he was completing a term or a sentence. His proudest public service achievement was his collaboration with his fellow supervisors, Manor Township public works employees, various state and local officials, and representatives of Norfolk Southern Railroad which led to the development and completion of a 5.25 section of the Enola Low Grade Rail Trail running through Manor Township along the Susquehanna River. He was especially delighted when, in the summer of 2022, with the support of the state government and generous private donations, the Safe Harbor Trestle Bridge opened, connecting two portions of the trail to create a 29 mile continuous, uninterrupted stretch.
While his body was failing him in his final days, his mind remained razor sharp. The last months of John’s life were spent on his back deck in the fellowship of his friends, enjoying the beauty of nature and his Koi pond, obsessing about the outcome of the 2024 presidential election, and cheering in vain for his beloved Phillies to return to the World Series.
John is survived by his wife Barbara; two sisters, Susan H. May (Robert) of Farmville, VA and Helen M. Page (John, deceased) of Wilmington, DE; three children, Sara B. May (Sara Jurek) of Seattle, WA , John H. May (Megan) of Lancaster, and Andrew H. May (Juliana Garzon) of Seattle, WA.; and five grandchildren: Suzanne Hartman May, John Summers May, II, Cecilia Garzon-May, Moses Julian Jurek May and Samson Summers Jurek May.
A celebration of John’s life will be held on December 7, 2024, at Charles F. Snyder III Funeral Home & Crematory in Willow Street, located at 2421 Willow Street Pike. Visitors will be received beginning at 9:00 a.m. with a memorial service to follow beginning at 11:00 a.m. A link wil be posted below on the December 7, 2024 to view John’s service on Live Stream. It will always remain available to view after the service.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in his honor to the Lancaster Law Foundation, 28 E. Orange Street, Lancaster, PA 17602 Lancaster Law Foundation
Club 521, Inc., 2400 Butter Road, Lancaster, PA, 17601; or any other charity with a mission you believe he would support.
Leave a condolence on this Memorial Page
Condolences to the Family
December 06, 2024
John, Sara, Andy and Mrs May…your dad and husband was a wonderful man. I have such fond memories of visiting the house and talking and laughing with you all. He was welcoming. Smart. Funny. Creative. Talented. He took the time to teach and mentor even when he might not have realized it. Know he impacted in the best ways so many of us Wilson Street Cobras as we roamed around the neighborhood. He was a special person and he will be missed by so many. Xo.
Andy Cross
December 06, 2024
Dear May Family,
Please accept my condolences on John’s death. He was a truly remarkable gentleman, lawyer and friend, and a major source of support to me personally and professionally. I will miss his sense of humor, his keen perception of current events and his warm and welcoming smile. How blessed I was to have known John and to have spent some quality time together. We also shared a December 7 birthday, and I will be watching the live stream tomorrow from our peaceful cabin in the woods.
Paul D. Clouser
December 04, 2024
I was so saddened to hear this news – but my, what a life!
John was such a kind spirit who truly cared for his fellow man and who spent a lot of his time tirelessly fighting for justice. He always had a disarming presence and when he did crack a joke, you knew it was going to be a good one. I’ll always remember fighting the landfill expansion with John and Christmas caroling around local nursing homes.
Barbara – all the love to you. I’ve got a huge Bare hug with your name on it next time I see you. Let me know if you want to grab coffee or a drink!
Sam Bare
December 03, 2024
I practiced law in Lancaster from 1980 to 2000. At any Bar function the first order of business was to find John and the circle of people who were always drawn to him, mainly to be amused, edified, and engaged by his wit and humor. John was a fine lawyer, but even more so a wonderful colleague, a kind and generous companion, and a friend.
Joel D. Smith
December 01, 2024
John was an amazing person & good friend … prayers for the family from AZ!
Jean Stark
November 29, 2024
I am sorry to hear of John’s passing. He touched my life in numerous ways…initially through work at the bank and then the Register of Wills Office. He gave me a supportive reference when I was applying for the job at the county. Most importantly, I knew John in the rooms of recovery…I’ll never forget my amazement when I first saw him at a meeting! He was a good man of integrity who touched many lives. I’m grateful to have been able to call him “friend”. In sympathy, Sharon Burnside
November 28, 2024
Mr.May was my lawyer. He was a very kind and caring man. He will certainly be missed. My condolences to the family.
Beverly Fridinger
November 26, 2024
Be assured that John ment a lot to me both as a lawyer and as a fellow sufferer from anxiety, depression and alcohol as a solution!
November 25, 2024
Very impressed to read this life story. Barbara you are blessed to be a part of it. Overall impression is of a public servant, and we are all blessed that he was a nature lover first. My husband and I truly enjoy hiking and biking the Enola Trail near the river. We are part of the many that he touched.
November 23, 2024
Amazing family! John S. was an inspiration to me, and such an affable gent. Living your princibles. Priceless. Hearts from the Crystle Family.
November 22, 2024
I practiced law with John, as an associate attorney and then as a partner, throughout the decade of the 1990’s. He was a good man and a great attorney and I will always look back upon the years that I spent working with him with fondness and nostalgia. Rest in peace, John. Sam Slaymaker
November 22, 2024
I WOULD LIKE TO FOLLOW UP MY EARLIER POST OF CONDOLENCES WITH A MEMORY THAT CAME TO ME WHEN HUBBY AND I WERE IN A PARTICULAR SHOP THIS AFTERNOON, AND THEY WERE PLAYING PACHELBEL’S ‘CANON IN D MAJOR.’ WHEN I WAS WORKING FOR JOHN, I WOULD HAVE MY RADIO / CASSETTE PLAYER IN MY OFFICE, EITHER LISTENING TO THE RADIO OR PLAYING MY OWN TAPES THAT I TOOK IN FROM HOME. ONE DAY JOHN SAID SOMETHING TO ME ABOUT THAT PIECE BY PACHELBEL; HOWEVER, AT THAT TIME I HAD NO IDEA WHAT HE WAS TALKING ABOUT, AND IN MY MIND I WAS THINKING CANONS THAT FIRE! (YEP, THAT’S THE TRUTH!) ANYWAY, IF I REMEMBER CORRECTLY, JOHN TOLD ME THAT HIS DAUGHTER, SARA, HAD HEARD THE CLASSICAL PIECE AT CAMP; SHE TOLD HIM ABOUT IT, AND SHARED IT WITH HIM. HE BROUGHT THE PIECE INTO THE OFFICE ONE DAY FOR ME TO LISTEN TO IT — I ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT – SO MUCH SO THAT I TOLD HIM I WAS GOING TO START LOOKING FOR A TAPE THAT HAD THE EXACT VERSION ON IT THAT HE HAD ME LISTEN TO. BUT HE TOLD ME NOT TO DO THAT – THAT IF I WOULD GIVE HIM ONE OF MY CASSETTE TAPES, HE WOULD TAKE IT HOME AND RECORD THE CLASSIC ON MY TAPE. I THOUGHT THAT WAS TOO MUCH FOR HIM TO DO FOR ME, BUT HE SAID, NO, THAT SINCE IT’S A SOMEWHAT LENGTHY PIECE OF MUSIC (BETWEEN 7 AND 8 MINUTES) HE COULD START THE RECORDING AND LEAVE THE ROOM TO DO OTHER THINGS. I SAID ‘YES’ WITHOUT HESITATION! SO THAT’S WHAT HE DID … I HAVE OFTEN RECALLED THAT HE IS THE ONE WHO INTRODUCED ME TO THIS CLASSIC BY PACHELBEL, WHICH HAS BEEN AN ABSOLUTE FAVORITE OF MINE ALL OF THESE YEARS, AND HIS KINDNESS TO DO THAT RECORDING FOR ME ….. AND, I STILL HAVE THAT CASSETTE TAPE THAT HE RECORDED FOR ME. ~ CINDY GRIMM
November 22, 2024
Blessings and condolences to all . Whenever I had a birthday he would tell me condolences. I can only imagine the welcoming committee he is having now in the Heaven above. Much love my dear friend!!!
November 22, 2024
Hello Barb,
I’m saddened to hear of John’s death. Please accept my condolences.
As you know, I did not have much contact with John; except through TSS activities. He always impressed me as a truly thoughtful, authentic, AND humorous individual.
Also, as I reflect on my own past, I recall that he demonstrated—what seems very rare today: a strong sense of DUTY and HONOR.
I enjoyed being in his presence.
Take care,
Steve Schwilk
November 22, 2024
One of the lawyers I met first around 1973, and John was a true mensch. Condolences to his family.
November 22, 2024
Our heartfelt sympathy and prayers go out to you, John, and your family.
November 22, 2024
John May was a wonderful intelligent and lovable person. His expertise and friendship will be missed by so many. I was very sad to hear about his passing. And I know my husband who passed a year ago would be devastated. We both respected and loved John. Our prayers and thoughts are with his family.
November 22, 2024
AM SADDENED TO LEARN OF JOHN’S PASSING. I WAS HIS SECRETARY A LONG TIME AGO (1977 TO 1984); IT TRULY WAS A PLEASURE WORKING FOR HIM. WE KEPT IN TOUCH NOW AND THEN OVER THE YEARS WHEN I NEEDED HIS HELP LEGALLY. MY HUSBAND AND I WERE SORRY TO HAVE MISSED HIM WHEN WE WERE THERE IN THE OFFICE A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO TAKING CARE OF SOME LEGAL MATTERS, AND I LET HIM KNOW THAT IN A MESSAGE TO HIM AT THE OFFICE. HE SAID TO LET HIM KNOW THE NEXT TIME WE ARE IN THE AREA; SO SORRY WE DID NOT GET TO SEE HIM. PRAYERS OF COMFORT FOR BARBARA AND FAMILY. SINCERELY, CINDY (AND DON) GRIMM
November 22, 2024
I’m so sorry to hear of your father’s passing.He was a good man and clearly a leader and innovator. May your shared memories bring you peace. I will miss the service since I will be celebrating my mothers 99th birthday in Florida. Sending love and prayers at this difficult time.
November 21, 2024
I got to know him a bit when we would run into each other early in the mornings at the Red Rose Restaurant at the corner of Duke and King Streets. I always enjoyed our brief conversations.
November 21, 2024
John was a sober friend and his message was strong. I loved when he shared because he had a message of hope and humor. The last meeting at his house was tough. He was obviously in pain and struggling and then he admitted he wasn’t having a good time and he was exhausted. Be at peace sweet and kind John. We’ll miss you so much.
November 21, 2024
I was a paralegal in Mr. May’s firm for 9 years, and he truly was a wonderful man. He will be missed.
November 21, 2024
John was an amazing, insightful, brilliant, delightful community champion and a great conservationist!!
I feel blessed to have known John in the practice of law and in his role as a member of the Lancaster Conservancy Land Protection Committee.
I will miss his smile and his contagious laugh. My thoughts are with you all.
November 21, 2024
What a lovely tribute to a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and brother (and brother in-law). Molly and I send our love to you Barbara and to your family. John’s laugh and love of life will long be remembered. Know we are keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.
November 21, 2024
WOW John you had an amazing father.❤️❤️
November 21, 2024
Many hugs, prayers and much love to you all! He will be greatly missed.
- Visitation
- Saturday, December 07, 2024
- 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
- Charles F. Snyder III Funeral Home & Crematory
- 2421 Willow Street Pike
- Willow Street, Pennsylvania 17585
- Map and Directions
-
Get Maps and Directions > - Services
- Saturday, December 07, 2024
- 11:00 AM
- Charles F. Snyder III Funeral Home & Crematory
- 2421 Willow Street Pike
- Willow Street, Pennsylvania 17585
- Map and Directions
-
Get Maps and Directions >
