J.R. McGreevey, radiologist, golfer

John R. McGreevey, 74, a former radiologist and an avid golfer, died Sunday of lung cancer at Holy Redeemer Hospital in Meadowbrook, where he served as director of radiology for 25 years.

Dr. McGreevey, of Huntingdon Valley, was a simple man who loved his faith and loved his country, his wife of 47 years, Mary, said. "He loved passionately," she said. "He wasn't one of these lukewarm guys."

After 36 years at Holy Redeemer, Dr. McGreevey retired in 1999 with his wife, a former nurse. The couple retreated to Naples, Fla., annually for two months in the winter, where they spent time with friends and he golfed five days a week. A long-time member of the Huntingdon Valley Country Club and the Roosevelt Racquet Club, he also enjoyed tennis.

A sports enthusiast, Dr. McGreevey followed Notre Dame football and sports at his alma mater, Holy Cross College, with a close eye. Former colleague Al Pedicino, recalled going to the Spectrum with him to see the classic Duke-Kentucky college basketball game in 1992. He described his former mentor as "old-fashioned Irish" and "a great family man."

"He was one of the great doctors" at Holy Redeemer, Pedicino said. "The epitome of a physician."

Dr. McGreevey was born in Manasquan, N.J., and went to high school with actor Jack Nicholson at St. Rose High School in Belmar, N.J. He received his undergraduate degree at Holy Cross and his medical degree from Georgetown University. He served his internship at St. Michael's Hospital in Newark, N.J., and his residency at Temple University School of Medicine.

From 1966 to 1968, he served as chief of radiology at the U.S. Reynolds Army Hospital in Fort Still, Okla., where he took immense pride in caring for wounded soldiers returning from Vietnam.

He was a member of several medical societies, including the Philadelphia County Medical Society and the Radiological Society of North America.

Besides his wife of 47 years, Dr. McGreevey is survived by daughters Maureen Zielke and Mary Zsembik; a son, John; nine grandchildren; and a sister.

Relatives and friends may call today at St. Albert the Great Church, 212 Welsh Rd., Huntingdon Valley, from 9 to 10:45 a.m. The Funeral Mass follows at 11 a.m. Burial will be in St. John Neumann Cemetery, Chalfont.

Memorial donations may be made to the Sisters of the Holy Redeemer, 521 Moredon Rd., Huntingdon Valley, Pa., 19006.