John "Philip" McAleer, born in 1935 in New York City, passed away peacefully at the Victoria General Hospital in Halifax, Nova Scotia. He was the beloved son of Catherine McAleer (née Swan) of New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, and John McAleer of New Yorkshire, England.
A distinguished scholar and educator, Philip earned his Bachelor's degree from Columbia University, followed by a Master's degree from Princeton University and a Doctorate from the University of London. For over 25 years, he was a respected professor of architectural history at Dalhousie University's School of Architecture, where his passion for the subject and dedication to his students made a lasting impact on the field.
Philip was also a prolific writer, authoring several important works, including *A Pictorial History of St. Paul's Anglican Church, Halifax, Nova Scotia* and *A Pictorial History of the Basilica of St. Mary, Halifax, Nova Scotia*, both of which remain key resources for those interested in the architectural and historical heritage of Halifax. He was also commissioned to write *Rochester Cathedral, 604-1540: An Architectural History*, a definitive work on the historic Kent cathedral.
An avid lover of the arts, Philip had a deep appreciation for opera, and many Saturday afternoons were spent enjoying the great composers on the radio. His love of culture extended beyond music, as he traveled extensively, exploring the world's diverse landscapes and cultures, from the Arctic to Antarctica.
Philip's intellectual curiosity and love of life touched the hearts of many. He leaves behind a wide circle of family and friends across Nova Scotia, Quebec, the United States, and England. His legacy will live on through his academic contributions, his kindness, his sharp wit, and his unwavering zest for life.
Philip is survived by his extended family and friends, who will cherish his memory. His ashes will be laid to rest alongside his parents at McLellan's Brook Cemetery in Pictou, Nova Scotia.
Professor McAleer joined SAH in 1966 and remained a member until 2020. He published articles in JSAH related to his work in JSAH in May, 1966, and March, 1994, and contributed several book reviews. He chaired a session at the 38th Annual International Conference in 1985, and delivered papers at the 37th and the 54th Annual International Conferences.
