John Paul Davey

HONORABLE JOHN PAUL DAVEY, a respected leader in the local government, business and judicial communities in the Washington Metropolitan Area and the State of Maryland, transitioned from the arms of his family into the arms of God on Monday, February 10, following an intense seven-week battle with aggressive Glioblastoma.  John was born on October 27, 1952 in Elizabeth, New Jersey to the late Thomas and Marie McKenna Davey, and joined a large tight-knit family that stressed the values of integrity, loyalty and faith – overarching values that he embodied throughout his entire personal and professional lives. 

In 1974, John received his bachelor’s degree in government and politics from King’s College in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, where he met his wife and lifelong partner, the former Andrea Galenas.  After earning a masters in public administration/urban affairs from the American University in 1975, he began an impressive career in Prince George’s County government – eventually rising to become the Chief Administrative Officer for the County.  He and Andrea put down roots in the County, raising their family there and becoming deeply involved in the community– a commitment that would extend for more than forty years.  In 1988, John earned his Juris Doctorate from the American University and, in 1992, left government to pursue a distinguished legal career, serving as Managing Director of the firm,  O'Malley, Miles, Nylen & Gilmore, P.A,  where he represented and advised a number of major business and development clients.  During his legal career, he was instrumental in expanding metro service to the County as a twelve-year Board Member of the Washington Metropolitan Transit Authority.  He also served on numerous Boards and Commissions throughout the metropolitan area and the State of Maryland, including the Greater Washington Board of Trade, Federal City Council, Economic Development Club of Washington, and Maryland Economic Development Commission, and received numerous honors and commendations for his many professional and community accomplishments.

In 2011, John was appointed  by then-Governor Martin O’Malley, and subsequently elected, as  Associate Judge for the Prince George's County Circuit Court, a position he held with distinction until retiring as a Senior Judge in December, 2023.  During his tenure, Judge Davey earned praise for handling both high profile and more routine matters with overwhelming integrity, intelligent command of the law, astute legal advice, and enviable compassion. Moreover, John  continued a life-long commitment to mentoring, advising, and helping scores of young people and professional colleagues and friends – as evidenced by the dozens of wonderful tributes and notes of gratitude received by his family during his illness.  Throughout his life, he sought to fulfill the meaning of a quote from Robert F. Kennedy, whom he admired,  “The purpose of life is to contribute in some way to making things better."

In 2024, John retired to Rehoboth Delaware and embarked on a year filled with traveling to Florida and overseas, playing as many rounds of golf as he could, attending sporting events and spending time with his adored grandkids, entertaining lots of  family and friends at the “beach house”, and continuing to look out for others, When he received his diagnosis, his main regret was that he wouldn’t be able to take care of everyone any longer.  He also sought comfort in his deep faith, which he exercised throughout his life as a former parishioner of Holy Redeemer in College Park, a supporter of the University of Maryland Catholic Student Center, a current parishioner of St. Edmond’s Church in Rehoboth, and a member of the Knights of Columbus. 

In addition to his devoted wife of 49 years, John leaves to mourn his three adored strong, accomplished daughters: Megan Davey Limarzi (Tony), Kate Davey (Ciro Pepe), and Ellen Davey Walter (Leslie); and cherished grandchildren Lorenzo, Luca and Lucia Limarzi and Jay and Blaire Walter.  He is survived by nine siblings: Mary, Thomas (Judy), Michael (Eileen), Robert, Mark (Anne) and James (Kristen) Davey, Ellen Davey Moyle (John), Claire Davey Kuspiel, and Cathleen Davey Corbett (Raymond) and two sisters-in-law, Judy Pronko (Gerald) and Mary Beth Galenas.  He is also survived by eighteen nieces and nephews, eighteen grand nieces and nephews, five first cousins, and countless friends who he considered family. 

Visitation will take place on Sunday, February 16, 2025, 3pm - 6pm, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, 4101 Norbeck Road, Rockville, Maryland, 20853.  The Mass of Christian Burial to celebrate John Paul Davey’s life will be held at the same church on Monday, February 17, 2025 at 11:30 a.m.  Interment will be private at a later date.  

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in John’s name to SOME (So Others May Eat), the Cape Henlopen Food Basket, or to a charity of your choice.