John McNeilis, 90, the former executive director of the Pennsylvania Chain Store Council died February 1, at the Hill at Whitemarsh following a bout with pneumonia.
In the 1970s, he served the Pennsylvania Chain Store Council, a retailers’ advocacy group, as a lobbyist in Harrisburg. From 1970 until 2006, when he retired, McNeilis ran PGA Services Inc., a Chestnut Hill coupon clearing house for grocers. His daughter Deirdre Anne McNeilis became his business partner. In addition, the firm offered consulting services to grocers in the state. It eventually merged into the Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association.
Prior to leading those groups, he taught communications and management at LaSalle College. While there he founded the Urban Studies Center and organized community events in the surrounding community of Olney.
McNeilis was born in East Oak Lane. In 1944, he enlisted in the Navy and was assigned to the Philippines. After World War II, he completed a bachelor’s degree in economics and a degree from the Law School of the University of Pennsylvania. He earned a master’s degree at Temple University in 1969.
McNeilis is survived by sons John Michael and Angus Edward; five grandchildren; and a sister.
A celebration of life was held at noon on Feb. 10, at Our Mother of Consolation Church, 9 E. Chestnut Hill Ave. Burial is at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Cheltenham.
In the 1970s, he served the Pennsylvania Chain Store Council, a retailers’ advocacy group, as a lobbyist in Harrisburg. From 1970 until 2006, when he retired, McNeilis ran PGA Services Inc., a Chestnut Hill coupon clearing house for grocers. His daughter Deirdre Anne McNeilis became his business partner. In addition, the firm offered consulting services to grocers in the state. It eventually merged into the Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association.
Prior to leading those groups, he taught communications and management at LaSalle College. While there he founded the Urban Studies Center and organized community events in the surrounding community of Olney.
McNeilis was born in East Oak Lane. In 1944, he enlisted in the Navy and was assigned to the Philippines. After World War II, he completed a bachelor’s degree in economics and a degree from the Law School of the University of Pennsylvania. He earned a master’s degree at Temple University in 1969.
McNeilis is survived by sons John Michael and Angus Edward; five grandchildren; and a sister.
A celebration of life was held at noon on Feb. 10, at Our Mother of Consolation Church, 9 E. Chestnut Hill Ave. Burial is at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Cheltenham.
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