Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Police Officer John F. McEntee, Jr.

Philadelphia Police Department, Pennsylvania

End of Watch Saturday, February 20, 1971

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Reflections for Police Officer John F. McEntee, Jr.

Rest in Peace… Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.

Officer John Amici
Philadelphia Police

February 21, 2024

Johnny was my cousin…I was only nine when he was killed. I still think of him often. I was just a little kid but he was such a positive force in our family, a hero really who I Idolized. I still remember vividly the Christmas before his murder when he gave me a metal replica Philly PD Patrol car with flashing lights. Hard to believe tomorrow will be 52 years and even more tragic with the murder of a Temple University Officer just last night (John was a Temple guy). When will this BS stop…I suppose never sadly…thoughts and Prayers for Officer Fitzgerald’s family….and Johnny we still love & miss you. Thank you to all those who put their life on the line EVERY day to serve and protect. I am not naive and realize there are bad cops (Memphis etc) but by a vast majority most are good and decent human beings who protect us from the far too many scumbags that walk our streets.

Fran Convery
Proud Cousin & PD (Philly & Everywhere) Supporter

February 19, 2023

Officer McEntee,
On today, the 51st anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the USMC in Vietnam. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Semper Fi Devil Dog!
A fellow LEO; former Marine

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

February 20, 2022

To Detective John Kelly, a very nice and heartfelt reflection. I hope you find peace in knowing your friend is a true hero, and thank you for your military service. Officer McEntee, thank you for your military service and for defending your country. Rest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren. God Speed and God Bless your family.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

February 20, 2021

John and I were friends from first grade at Immaculate Conception School in Germantown, Philadelphia.
We later both went into the military. John into the Marines and I the Army. Later we both ended up in Vietnam and found each other again in the Philadelphia Police Academy. Both of us were assigned to the 22nd District in 4Squad. I still remember the night John was murdered by Hogan and Bullock, two gang members with the 21 & Norris St gang. They gave some BS reason why they shot John. At that time John's young widow had a baby not even a year old. I have visited the location at Woodstock & Norris where the FOP put a bronze plaque. I think of him oftentimes and can't help but think he survived fighting for his country in Vietnam, but was killed by a member of his own country. John, rest in Peace.

Det John Kelly (Retired)
Philadelphia Police Department

January 19, 2021

Within our family Johnny was always admired and beloved as a sort of 'hero' even before he joined the Marines and the Philadelphia Police Force. A gentle, respectful, lit-from-within, son and brother and nephew and husband and Dad and cousin. Just an all around decent, decent person. Although heart-broken by his death we were deeply proud of his public service and protection. His sense of warmth never leaves our memories.
God bless Johnny, God bless all police officers, God bless all citizens.

K.R.C.
cousin/godchild

June 7, 2020

I met John at Cardinal Dougherty HS. We became friends. He was a very good person. The last time I saw him he was working at Korvettes at Cedarbrook Mall. At that time I believe he was waiting for the call to basic training with the Marines. I was saddened to learn of his death many years ago. Gone too soon.

Army Specialist 4th Class John Thomas
CDHS class of 1965

April 1, 2020

John and I served at MCS Quantico. We also went to Temple University together. We also went to City Hall to get applications for PPD together. He applied and I did not. I clearly remember the night he was killed. I served for almost forty years as a police officer in Montgomery County and never forgot my friend. He and several other friends paid the ultimate price and I will never forget them.

Robert P. Adams, Chief of Police, Retire
West Norriton Twp.

March 29, 2020

John & I we’re classmates in the academy and then worked in adjoining sectors the night he was killed. We had known each other since first grade and met up in the academy when we both got out of military coming back from Vietnam. Great guy.

Det John Kelly Phila PD Ret.
Philadelphia PD

January 7, 2019

My dad James Speller, along with Joseph Wiesinger, captured both suspects that evening . They were working out of the wagon 2202 of the 22nd . Dist.

Vance Speller
North Carolina Dept. of Corrections

May 5, 2016

I served in the USMC with John and doubled dated with he and his wife. We both went to Temple University and went to City Hall to get applications for PPD. I decided not to apply, but John did. I vividly remember seeing the reports of his death on television and the shock that it caused. John was a good man.

Chief of Police Robert P. Adams, Ret.
West Norriton Township. Mont. Co.

January 8, 2016

Officer McEntee,
Sir, as a fellow former Marine/LEO I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for our Community but for our Country as well when you served in the USMC. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Semper Fi Devil Dog!
A fellow former Marine/LEO

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

February 21, 2015

A Hero now in Heaven, always remembered and never forgotten.

Kim Weigand Mom of Sgt. Mike Weigand
PA C.O.P.S.

February 20, 2015

I knew John as a boy at Immaculate Conception School in Germantown. We were also in the Boy Scouts together. I think that between the nuns and the scouts they got us ready for Marines. He was a good friend and will always be remembered. Dave Lashaw Aug. 3,2014.

Cpl.W.D.Lashaw USMC

August 3, 2014

I met John in the 60's. He was a great guy. My favorite memory is the time we went to a Jimmy Hendricks concert and had the highest up seats they had......we laughed and had a fun time. Remembered how saddened I was to hear of his passing. I know how much it meant to him to join the police force. Gone but not forgotten.

CC
Friend

July 16, 2014

John was my friend in the U.S. Marine Corps and Temple U. We both went to City Hall and took applications for Phila. PD, I decided not to apply and John did. I learned about his murder on TV. I became a police officer with the West Norriton Twp. PD in 1973. I will retire on 12/31/2012 as Chief of Police. John was my friend and brother and I will never forget him.

Chief Robert P. Adams
West Norriton Township PD

September 13, 2012

Not a day goes by that I don't wish you were here.

Colleen McEntee
Daughter

June 20, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 41rst anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Rest In Peace.

Your memory will always be honored and revered for time never diminishes respect

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

February 20, 2012

Thank you, for your service, Uncle John.

Anonymous
Nephew

December 9, 2011

Officer McEntee Jr., thirty-nine (39) years later you are still remembered, with honour.

Thank you for your service. The citizens of Philadelphia
were always well protected under your watch. A tragic and unnecessary loss.

Anonymous

June 3, 2010

Dear John.
You will never be forgotten. I'm the son of the late Jimmy speller. My dad was the officer along with his partner Joe weisinger was the officer in catching your killer. I remember I how sad my dad was when you were killed.

Vance Speller
NorthCarolina Dept. Of Correctionc

August 26, 2009

Wars come and go but my soilders they remain eternal.
2 Pac.

A. Murphy

July 15, 2009

I was thinking about your family this month and the anniversary of your death. I wrote before, my family and your family share a name and a very similar tragedy. I hope your family has found peace and I am praying for them. I can't imagine even after all these years the pain would go away, but I know you are watching over them and I hope they have some solace in knowing you are a hero and will never be forgotten.

Kathy McEntee
Sister of Sgt. Bill McEntee EOW 7/5/05

February 14, 2009

I didn't know Officer McEntee, but I did go to his viewing at Immaculate Conception Church in Germantown. I was 14 at the time. I read in the newpapers of the murders of Officer McEntee and Officer Joseph Kelly, only one day apart. I lived in Germantown at the time and was collecting on my newspaper route, across from the church. On a whim, I decided to go in and pay my respects. His widow, with a sad smile, greeted me and thanked me for coming. My response, “Oh you’re welcome”. I could have kicked myself. No attempt at words of comfort, nothing. But, I was a kid. I was only expecting to go in and pay my respects to the fallen officer and leave. I wasn’t prepared. That was a lesson learned for me. My heart was in the right place, my sensibilities weren’t.

Officer McEntee, a true hero, may you be at rest and peace with the Lord. And, to his widow and his daughter, despite your tragic loss, I hope you have found some semblance of peace and happiness in the almost 40 years since your husband and father was so senselessly taken from you.

Dennis McGlinchey

June 16, 2008

Rest in peace, P/O McEntee, you are not forgotten.

Sgt. #322
Phila. PD

March 25, 2008

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