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John Neal Packard

The Chesapeake Region has lost John Packard, who passed away January 11, 2006.  A long time member, John served the club in various capacities as president, officer, newsletter editor, and website editor.  He joined the club in 1965 and, not surprisingly, owned a collection of Packards, ranging from 1928 to 1954.    

John had a life long enthusiasm for almost anything automotive with interests in history research, hunting for parts, restoring his cars, and car show and tour activities. He was the Chesapeake Region’s President in 2001-2003, and held most of the other elected offices during 41 years of participation in the club. 

 John was the Chesapeake Bulletin Editor from 1994 through 2004 and also for a couple of years in the 1970s.  He received various awards including the AACA Master Editor Award in 1995-1997, 2001 and 2004.  In 2004 John received the Ann S. Eady Memorial Award, which is presented to a region newsletter editor for their contribution to the general welfare and spirit of the Antique Automobile Club of America.  John also developed the region’s website for which he received a Master Website Editor Award in 2001.

On the national AACA level, John Packard was elected to the AACA Library and Research Center Board for three terms and served as the President in 2000 and 2001.  He was a tireless advocate of the AACA Library’s mission and participated in many fundraising activities for the Library.

 But being a “car guy” was only one aspect of John Packard’s life.  He also had a long distinguished career, was devoted to his family, and was active in community and church pursuits

 Obituary

John Neal Packard of Fallston died January 11^th at Upper Chesapeake Medical Center in Bel Air. He was 70.

Born in Bangor, Maine, he was the son of the late Charles Earl Sr. and Lillian Catherina Woodbury Packard.

Mr. Packard was a resident of Fallston for 38 years. He graduated in 1957 from Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, VA, with a bachelor's degree in physics and in 1959 from West Virginia University with a master's degree in physics. He worked at Martin Company and AAI Corporation for 33 years and worked at Goddard Space Center under various contractors until retirement in 2001 as Vice President of Man Tech International.

A member of Bel Air United Methodist Church for 38 years, he served in many capacities including chairperson of the finance committee, and had been a member of the choir, leader of Sunday morning Men's Bible Study since 1991, and volunteered for the Senior Food Delivery Program in Harford County.  He served on the United Methodist Church Board of Child Care in the 1970s.

Mr. Packard is survived by his wife of 47 years, Eleanor Munn Packard; a son, Johnny Ward Packard and his wife, Danniel, of Lake Geneva, WI; three daughters, Laura Hulsey and her husband Dan, of Gatchellville, PA; Amy Heritage and her husband Lee, of Toledo, OH; and Margaret Anne Motter and her husband David of Hanover, PA; two brothers, Richard  F. Packard  of  Littleton, MA;  and Charles F. Packard, Jr. of Frederick, MD; a sister, Harriet Guinn of Fairfax, VA; and 13 grandchildren and a grandson-in-law.

Memorial contributions can be made to Lovely Lane United Methodist Church Restoration Fund, 2200 St. Paul St., Baltimore, MD 21218; or Bel Air United Methodist Church Memorial Fund, 21 Linwood Ave, Bel Air, MD 21014; or to AA&MDSIF Foundation, P.O. Box 613, Annapolis, MD 21404.

AACA Members Remember John

“John was known for his dry humor and easy going demeanor.  Although he cut back in his car activities he never seemed to feel sorry for himself, nor made a big  deal  of his  illness.   John was  the type  of person that made  you  happy to  know him  and proud  to call him a friend.”

“John was a gentleman.  He always respected to the utmost anyone's conversation topic.  He would listen with sincerity.”

“John Packard was a wonderful, kind, soft spoken man.  He will be greatly missed in our hobby, not only in the Baltimore area, but everywhere he went.”

“I will miss John, as I am sure all hobbyists who were touched by his wit and knowledge will be.”

“Then he showed me his two garages full of Packards in various stages of restoration.  He showed me with pride, each car, what the goals were, and where each stood in the restoration process.  All I can add is what an interesting person dedicated to people first, then, sharing his knowledge with all of us.”