John Steven McNamara passed away suddenly at the age of 61 doing what he loved: hiking on favorite trails.
He was born in San Francisco to Barry and Victoria McNamara and he was a devoted grandson to Jose and Madeline Llamas and Barbara McNamara of San Francisco. John was a kind and good person and had special devotion to his Catholic faith. His early childhood was spent in San Francisco and later on the Peninsula attending Notre Dame Elementary School in Belmont and St. Junipero Serra High School. He lived in Omaha and Cleveland during his Father's medical training and also at Vandenberg AFB where his father was stationed for two years during the Vietnam War.


In 1985 John graduated from Cal and then entered Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine. He went on to specialize in Ophthalmology and worked alongside his Dad in that field which brought him immense joy. During this time he became Chief of Ophthalmology at San Mateo County Hospital where he gave saving eye care to all his patients. Practicing Ophthalmology gave John great satisfaction and he often gave informative talks on the eye at conferences he attended.


In 1994 John married the love of his life, Christine Young, and they purchased their first home in Belmont where they raised their four daughters. John loved living in Belmont where he relished his time at home being with his wife and daughters and tending to his garden where he grew beautiful roses that he often picked for his family. He loved hiking the local trails of Waterdog and Purisima with friends and family and he also loved playing tennis. He was a great devotee of the 49ers and an avid fan of the Beatles . He also enjoyed watching oldie TV shows. John lived the life he loved and enjoyed endless love and compassion from his family and close friends. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.


John is survived by his beloved wife, Christine and cherished daughters, Madeline, Alicia, Amanda and Fiona; loving brothers Shannon Joseph and Barry Jr. McNamara, his parents. dear Sister in Law Brenna McNamara, niece Grace and nephews Barry III, and Alex.


A Catholic Funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Redwood City on Saturday, March 9 at 11:30AM. Confession will be available to anyone wishing it from 10:30-11:30 in the church before the Mass. A casual reception will take place after the Mass. A viewing on Friday, March 8 from 6:00-8:00 PM and Rosary Prayer at 7:30pm will be held at Crippen & Flynn Carlmont Chapel in Belmont.