Yale Class of 1962 « John William ‘Jack’ McCredie

John William “Jack” McCredie

August 29, 1940 – October 31, 2025

John William “Jack” McCredie passed away peacefully on October 31, 2025, in Alameda, California, after a brief illness. He was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on August 29, 1940. Jack lived a life defined by curiosity, integrity, and service.

John Stewart may hold the record for the classmate who had known Jack the longest, as they played, sang, and played sports together as kids at the Chautauqua Institute in their early summers. John remembers the young Jack McCredie he hung out with then:

“He was a GREAT kid. In the ’50s we were together at the Chautauqua Boys Club for several summers. He was a leader, a peacemaker with a great sense of humor. The rest of us literally and figuratively looked up to him. The summer of ’58 was the best. We’d put camp behind us, but every Sunday from the piano Jack led a service for teens to sing the great old corny hymns. My mother was a Methodist church choir director, and, as an Oberlin grad, scorned them, so there was a wicked sense of teenage pleasure to sing these ones, which actually I’ve never stopped loving.”

After attending Shady Side Academy in Pittsburgh, Jack earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in engineering from Yale University. As an undergraduate he majored in mechanical engineering, and his honors included Ranking Scholar, Dean’s List, and Two-Year Honors. He was elected to Tau Beta Pi, the national engineering honor society. He was also a member of Phi Gamma Delta, the Yale Engineering Association, the Freshman crew and Varsity crew (major “Y”). A member of Davenport College, his roommates were T. A. Brown, S. S. Lash, and R. W. Spitz.

Yale was followed by a Ph.D. from Carnegie Mellon University. A pioneer in the early days of computing, he built a remarkable career that took him from Carnegie Mellon to Educom, to Digital Equipment Corporation, and ultimately to the University of California, Berkeley, where he served as Vice-Provost and Chief Information Officer. His leadership and vision helped shape the role of technology in higher education.

Jack’s life extended far beyond his professional achievements. He was a man of deep faith, compassion, and generosity. He shared his time and talents with organizations close to his heart, including the Chautauqua Institute, the American Red Cross, the Presbyterian Church, and the Oakland Dog Training Club.

Tim Hall, who had known Jack from engineering classes they had taken together, reconnected with Jack in recent summers at Chautauqua, when he came across a book discussion that Jack was leading. Tim and Marcy quickly found that Jack and Yvonne were great sources of wisdom about the place and had many relaxing front porch moments processing the latest concerts and lectures there. From other long-timers at Chautauqua they learned of the strong mark Jack made on the place as a respected lifelong resident and two-time board member.

Jack will be remembered for his intellect, his warmth, and his dedication to service — as well as his love for family, community, and the many dogs who shared his life.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Yvonne McCredie, his daughters Elizabeth Daley (Kevin) and Emily Walker (Phil), five grandchildren, one great-granddaughter, and his beloved dog, Uno.

A celebration of Jack’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Red Cross or a local animal shelter.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23

— Douglas T. Hall