John McEnearney, the chairman and founder of McEnearney Associates and former NVAR Board member, passed away on October 8, 2014 at the age of 87.  

A graduate of the United States Naval Academy, McEnearney served on active duty as a Naval officer for 27 years. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for Valor for his service in Vietnam in support of the U.S. Marines.

The day following his retirement as a Navy captain in 1976, McEnearney joined a residential brokerage firm in Alexandria. He went on to acquire his broker’s license and founded McEnearney Associates in 1980.

Initially, his firm specialized in marketing residential properties in Old Town Alexandria. Over the years, McEnearney Associates has expanded to seven residential offices, a commercial office, a relocation department and three locations for property management.  The firm now serves the entire metropolitan Washington area. 

“When my father founded McEnearney Associates more than 34 years ago, his goal was to gain the respect of the public and to provide real estate services that are second to none,” says Maureen McEnearney Dunn, president of McEnearney Associates. “His devotion and loyalty to the company and our associates, clients and customers is a testament to the major contributions and success of the firm throughout the years. John absolutely loved everything about the real estate business and was completely devoted to his agents and staff.”

Described as a smart and generous man, McEnearney earned a reputation for exceptional service and outstanding performance in the real estate industry and in the community. 

He was recognized as Businessman of the Year by the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce in 2006. McEnearney was an active supporter of more than 50 organizations, including The Hopkins House; Stop Child Abuse Now; Alexandria Senior Services; and Children’s National Medical Center. 

McEnearney was preceded in death in 2009 by his wife Ginny, and is survived by their six children, 11 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.