In Memoriam: John R. Post, BS ’60, 1938-2026

Saint Joseph’s University mourns the loss of distinguished alumnus John R. Post, BS ’60, whose incredible impact is felt on our Hawk Hill campus, throughout the city of Philadelphia and across Pennsylvania. Post was a pioneer in the mining and metals industry and started a precision castings business in Reading, Pennsylvania, which grew to touch every corner of the industrialized world. He leaves behind a tradition of entrepreneurship and incredible generosity to numerous Philadelphia-area institutions, including his alma mater, Saint Joseph’s University.

A prominent philanthropist, Post and his wife, Maryanne Hennings Post, started the John R. Post Family Charitable foundation in 2012 to provide vital services to the community and support the local institutions that helped shape their lives. The Post family has funded programs and projects at Saint Joseph’s University, Alvernia University, Berks Catholic High School, Caron Treatment Centers, Sacred Heart Church and School in Reading, Pennsylvania, and dozens of other charities and schools.

Post’s admiration and generosity for the Saint Joseph’s community can be felt throughout the Hawk Hill campus, where many buildings and works of art bear his name. Two significant buildings on campus, the John R. Post ’60 Academic Center — containing the Post Learning Commons and Drexel Library — and Post Hall, stand as a testament to his deep commitment to Jesuit education and are named in honor of his philanthropic contributions to the University. He has also donated several iconic metal sculptures, including the Armillary Sphere, which grace the campus grounds.

In 2023, Post made a leadership donation to the University to support the construction of Post Crossing, a pedestrian underpass that connects the Lower Merion and West Philadelphia sides of campus. Used by hundreds of students, faculty, staff and community members each day, Post Crossing provides pedestrians and cyclists with a safe and efficient path for crossing City Avenue, away from vehicular traffic.

Post was honored with the Shield of Loyola Award in 2006, the University’s highest honor in recognition of distinguished alumni who have achieved remarkable professional success, share the values of St. Ignatius of Loyola, and who have demonstrated loyalty to SJU.

“John deeply believed in the transformative power of education and was dedicated to opening doors for others,” says Cheryl A. McConnell, PhD, president of Saint Joseph's University. "He lived out that belief by enhancing and beautifying our Hawk Hill campus in ways that only he could. We will remember him for his drive as an entrepreneur, his pursuit of excellence and his profound, quiet generosity.”

A resident of Reading, Pennsylvania, Post received a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Saint Joseph’s in 1960, before starting his career in the mining and metals field. He worked as an alloy and carbide sales engineer for Union Carbide Corporation before setting out on his own. Post founded and served as president of Post Precision Castings, Inc., a leading producer of high-quality investment castings, for more than 60 years. Begun in 1964, the family business is a major producer of commercial and pressure vessel castings for nuclear and petrochemical industries. From humble beginnings renting space at the Reading Regional Airport, Post grew the business into modern operation in a 125,000-square-foot facility with a high degree of automation and computerization.

“John had sharp business insights and a fearless entrepreneurial mindset,” says Joseph A. DiAngelo, BS ’70, EdD, dean of the Haub School of Business. “He saw potential where others saw limits, and built a tremendous, industry-leading company whose success will support generations to come.”

Post is survived by his wife, Maryanne; his son, John R. Post Jr. MS ’06, MBA ’16; his daughter, Maryanne F. Post, BS ’07 (Andrew Bell); and his three grandchildren, along with extended family members, many with ties to Saint Joseph's.