John Seely

John Whitney Seely passed away November 13, 2015. He was born August 18, 1929 in Cleveland, OH and grew up on his family’s farm in Newfield, NY. During the Korean War he served in the U. S. Navy on Guam. In 1956 he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Ithaca College, then moved his family to Arizona. He became a Certified Public Accountant and founded the first accounting firm in Glendale, now known as Seely, Mullins, & Associates, where he continued to practice for 34 years. John generously served his community in many capacities throughout his life. He was a 32nd degree Mason, a member of the Glendale Rotary Club, and the Glendale Chamber of Commerce serving as president of the Chamber in 1973. In 1963 John and 4 Glendale friends founded the Out House Open Golf Tournament. He was the only person to play all of the first 49 years. John adored his family, friends, and the outdoors. He delighted in telling good jokes and stories. As an avid gardener, he beautified many people’s homes and offices with his flowers and loved to share the citrus from his backyard. Iron Springs, AZ was one of his favorite places for 53 years where he shared time with those close to him. We will all cherish the beautiful walking sticks he lovingly made from Manzanita collected in the Prescott area. He was known as a man who had a good head for business, strong integrity, and a fun sense of humor. John is survived by his wife of 66 years, Janet, daughters Jan Hessler (Jack), Jeanne, and Judy, and sons Scott (Deb), and Jamie (Debbie), 8 grandchildren, and 4 great grandchildren. Please join our family to celebrate John’s life on November 27th with a visitation (10:00 am), service (11:00 am) and a reception immediately following at Menke Funeral & Cremation Center, 12420 N. 103rd Ave., Sun City, AZ. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of John Seely to Huger Mercy Living Center at 2345 W. Orangewood Ave., Phx, AZ 85021 where John was loved and supported during the last years of his life.