Jack Leroy Fadely

Jack Leroy Fadely, a prominent Indianapolis psychologist, who devoted his life to teaching, researching human development, and counseling, died on Saturday, April 18th of COVID-19.  He was 85.

Jack was born in New Castle, Indiana on Christmas Eve, 1934 to Merritt Leroy and Mary Ruth Fadely.  Jack worked from a young age to take care of himself and paid his way through Purdue University.  He met the love of his life, Marjorie, at the Indiana State Fair through their involvement with 4-H at Purdue.

Jack proudly served in the United States Army and was stationed in Germany.  He went on to earn a Master’s and then Ph.D. from Indiana University in Psychology.  During his 30 year career at Butler University, Jack was appointed head of the Psych/Education Department in addition to teaching classes, authoring, and co-authoring at least 35 books.

Jack and Marjorie founded Butler University Preschool for gifted children.  Jack also ran a private practice with a colleague starting in the early 1970's and continuing until the week before his death.

Jack was a man larger than life with boundless energy and ideas. Jack took the family on annual vacations, wrote poetry and loved painting the sea.  He treasured going on adventures of all kinds, had an amazing sense of humor, and cared deeply about people and the planet.

Jack is survived by wife, Marjorie; daughter, Debra (Kevin) Raber; son, Mark (Dina) Fadely; grandchildren, Claire (boyfriend, Jared), Max (Krista), Jack, and Kirsten; two great-granddaughters, Mia and Ellie; siblings, Edison (Georgia) Fadely, Joyce (Gary) Dillon, and Bob (Mary Lou) Fadely; his wonderful dog, Maggie; and three feral cats, Pretty Boy, Tiggy, and Kitty.

Jack will be remembered as a beautiful spirit on earth, who made us laugh, love, and learn.

In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made to The Center for Vaccine Research at The University of Pittsburgh for COVID-19 Vaccine Research; to your local food bank, or you could take on the challenge and find your own creative way to honor Jack Fadely by doing something to make a difference for others.

Once restrictions are lifted and everyone is feeling better, we will have a celebration of life at a special place where we can share some time to laugh, tell stories, and remember him.

To read other Tributes written by the family, please visit the links below.

My Father - An Amazing Human Being - Tribute to Jack Fadely by Debra Fadely-Raber

COVID-19 Hit Home by Kevin Raber

Direct Link for Donations Click Here: The Center for Vaccine Research at The University of Pittsburgh