John Deane, executive

John H. Deane, 80, of West Chester, a drug company executive, died Tuesday, Dec. 3, at Chester County Hospital of a heart ailment.

He retired in 1993 as director of sales administration after a 33-year career with McNeil Pharmaceuticals in Fort Washington. He was a sales representative for many years, working his way up to a management position, his family said.

Born in New Bedford, Mass., he lived in Harrisburg before finally settling in West Chester in the early '70s.

His son, Michael, said he retained his Yankee accent and was an avid fan of the Boston Red Sox.

Mr. Deane graduated from Holy Family High School in New Bedford and then from Providence College in Providence, R.I., with a bachelor's degree in economics.

He served in the Army during the Korean War from 1953 to 1955.

He was a member of St. Agnes Catholic Church in West Chester.

A busy volunteer, he served with the Orphans' Court of Chester County and in various capacities at Chester County Hospital.

"He was a big proponent for Chester County Hospital because he had gone through a quadruple bypass at Lankenau Hospital many years ago, and he was a proud member of the Zipper Club. Many of his doctors drifted to Chester County Hospital, and that was the connection," his son said.

The Zipper Club consists of patients who have undergone open-heart surgery and who volunteer to support and guide newcomers though the process.

He loved golf and played it at the Downingtown Country Club.

Besides his son, he is survived by his wife of 57 years, the former Gabrielle Cayer; daughters Nancy Deane Klinger, Amy Deane Baker, and Katherine Deane Bousum; and four grandchildren. A son, Timothy S. Deane, died earlier.

A 9 a.m. visitation will be followed by a 10 a.m. Funeral Mass on Monday, Dec. 9, at St. Agnes Church, 233 W. Gay St., West Chester, Pa. 19380. Interment is private.

Contributions may be made to the Heart Catheterization Laboratory of the Chester County Hospital, 701 E. Marshall St., West Chester, Pa. 19380, or the Blessed Dorothy Day Ministry Center at St. Agnes Catholic Church at the address above.