John Francis Mealey

John Francis Mealey, of La Quinta, California, passed away peacefully on January 5, 2026, leaving behind a lasting legacy of love, family, and community. Known for his compassion, advocacy, integrity, and larger-than-life sense of humor, John touched countless lives with kindness, laughter, and purpose.

Born on December 3, 1941, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, John was raised in a proud Irish American family by his parents, John Francis Mealey and Katherine Mealey. A graduate of Monsignor Bonner High School and Temple University, John remained a devoted Philadelphian at heart throughout his life, carrying with him a lifelong love of all things Philly—especially its cheesesteaks and sports teams.

John is survived by his beloved wife, Patricia Mealey; his children, Christine Taraba (Paul Taraba), Jeannine Mealey (Jeff Bleam), and Jacqueline Mealey; his grandchildren, Ward and Benjamin Taraba; his siblings Veronica Tulodieski and Joseph Mealey, his mother-in-law Lucy Thomason, brother-in-law Hector Viramontes (Beverly Viramontes), sister-in-laws Roselyn Viramontes (Fiance Brett McKenzie) and Elizabeth Viramontes, godson Blake Caldwell, nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and many extended family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Christopher Mealey.

After high school, John traveled extensively throughout the United States and Mexico in an RV—an experience that profoundly shaped the course of his life. He fell in love with Mexico’s culture, people, food, and history, an influence reflected in the many housing communities he later named, including Tlaquepaque, Villas Oscar Romero, Paseo de los Heroes, and Casas San Miguel de Allende. These travels introduced John to the concept of collective work and reinforced his lifelong belief in dignity, opportunity, and improving housing conditions for underserved communities.

John began his career with the Philadelphia Housing Authority before relocating to California, where he worked with the Riverside County Department of Housing and Community Development. After settling in the Coachella Valley, John founded the Coachella Valley Housing Coalition (CVHC) in 1982. He often shared the story of typing early grant proposals poolside on a typewriter, until a $10,000 seed grant from the Aetna Foundation launched what would become one of the most respected affordable housing organizations in the nation.

John served as CVHC’s founding Executive Director for 34 years, from 1982 to 2016. Under his leadership, the organization developed more than 4,500 units of affordable housing serving farmworkers, low-income families, veterans, seniors, individuals with disabilities, and those experiencing homelessness. CVHC also expanded vital resident services, including childcare centers, after-school programs, educational and workforce training, cultural programs, and scholarship opportunities—ensuring that residents were supported far beyond housing alone.

A tireless champion of affordable housing, John was deeply committed to dignity, stability, and opportunity for all. He mentored staff, promoted from within, and fostered a family-oriented culture rooted in respect, compassion, and service. His impact continues to be felt throughout the Coachella Valley, Imperial Valley, and Riverside County.

Above all else, John cherished his family. He especially loved time spent with his wife, Patricia—the love of his life—his children, his dear lifelong friends, and his large, extended family, who were the center of his world. Ever the family patriarch, John was a steady and loving presence, offering guidance, loyalty, humor, and unwavering support.

John had a deep appreciation for music and the arts, with tastes spanning generations and genres—from Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Joan Baez to Andrea Bocelli and Mexican ballads. He found joy in traveling, art museums, long walks, reading, and hiking. He never spent time in a bookstore he didn’t fall in love with. His legendary sense of humor ranged from playful silliness to razor sharp wit, and he was a devoted fan of the Marx Brothers. His curiosity, vitality, and love of beauty enriched every life he touched.

John will be remembered for his warmth, determination, compassion, and the countless lives he touched through both his advocacy and his kindness. His legacy lives on in the communities he built and strengthened, as well as in the family he loved so deeply.

In lieu of flowers, John would have preferred donations to Coachella Valley Housing Coalition’s JFM Scholarship Fund, your local affordable housing agency, or organizations that help at risk teens and children.