John Michael Hone

John Michael Hone, 85, of West Chester, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 13, at Chester County Hospital. He was the beloved husband of Joanne C. Fisher Hone, with whom he shared 61 years of marriage. 

In addition to his wife, John is survived by three children, Suzanne Hone, Michael (Clair) Hone and David (Sheri) Hone; five grandchildren, Michael (Christina) Hone, Madeline Hone, Thomas Hone, Justin Hone, Gavin Hone; and by a sister, Terri (Jim) McIntosh.

Born in Philadelphia, he was the son of the late William and Mary Carolan Hone. John graduated from St. Thomas Moore High School in 1955 and received a BA in Economics from Villanova University in 1959. He then received his MBA in Finance from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania in 1961.

John first worked as an auditor for the U.S. General Accounting Office in Dayton, OH. It was in Dayton where he first met Joanne. He then enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1962 and served as a Supply Officer on the USS Sperry in San Diego, CA. After serving the Navy, John worked as an auditor for Touche Ross & Co. while earning his CPA.  He joined Safeguard Industries in Philadelphia and later served as Controller for Hub City Iron in Aberdeen SD, a subsidiary of Safeguard Industries. He then rose through the ranks to become President of Butler Industries, a display systems manufacturer in Newark NJ and New York City. He was inducted into the Young Presidents Organization where he was an active member and traveled the world while forging many business and social relationships. John’s career culminated in becoming President and owner of SL Enterprises in New Jersey.

John loved traveling all around the world with Joanne including Europe, Asia, China, Russia and Egypt. He especially enjoyed loading the Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser wagon with Joanne and the children and traveling throughout the United States and Canada. In later years, he particularly enjoyed South America, Norway fjords and European River cruises while enjoying fine wine and local delicacies.

John was known to family and friends as a master sommelier/bartender, coffee connoisseur and dinner party host. He was best known however as a great listener. He always enjoyed basking in a room filled with family and friend serving his “Honemade” specialty drink and listening to life updates, stories and viewpoints. He was also a master at chess beating nearly everyone including the computer. He was also an avid reader, enjoying history books, biographies, and current events.  He was a tireless supporter of his children’s interests and activities and always found time to attend their events near and far. Finally, he always enjoyed spending time with his five grandchildren and listening to their life updates including accomplishments, interests and new endeavors.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, November 22, 2023 at St. Joseph Church, 332 Manor Avenue, Downingtown.  Family and friends will be received from 9:45-10:45 a.m.

Interment will be held at 2:00 p.m. in Washington Crossing National Cemetery, Newtown, Pa.  Due to the distance, there will be no funeral procession.  If you are planning on attending the graveside service, please arrive at Washington Crossing NO LATER than 1:45 p.m. and follow signs to the right for funerals (backside of Administration Building).