John Foley

JOHN FOLEY Nathan Adelson Hospice. John was born July 18, 1927, in Torrance, Calif. July 18, 1927. Las Vegas had been his primary home since 1928 when his parents, U.S. District Court Judge Roger T. Foley and Helen D. Foley, moved to this young city with their five sons. John obtained his law degree at Georgetown University and practiced law in Las Vegas and rural Nevada for over 60 years. His first legal position was with the firm of Foley Brothers, where he practiced with his four older brothers, Roger, Thomas, George and Joseph, whom he loved dearly. His brother, Roger D. Foley, was appointed as a federal court judge by President John F. Kennedy and his brother, Thomas A. Foley, was elected Nevada District Court Judge (Probate). John's nephew, George Foley, is a federal magistrate judge. John Foley maintained an office at the Foley Law Center until his death. While attending law school, he worked as a capitol police officer in Washington, D.C. He graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno and served in the Merchant Marines and U.S. Army. John was instrumental in the founding of the Southern Nevada Legal Aid program during the 1960s. John served in the Nevada State Senate during the 1970s. His niece, Helen, was later elected to the Nevada State Senate. He remained active in Democratic politics throughout his life. He closely watched every debate and was thrilled by Hillary Clinton's performances during the 2016 Presidential debates. John was very happily married for over 50 years to Phyllis Daum Foley. They had six children. Phyllis preceded him in death in 2006. During his last six years, John enjoyed spending time with his beloved friend, Sandra Litton. John Foley was a quintessential family man. He adored his children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He acted as a beloved surrogate father figure for whoever needed him. John is survived by his children, Ann Monahan (Michael), Elizabeth Foley (John Maxey), John Foley, Jr., Frank Foley, Margaret Foley (Thomas Ryan) and Carol Foley; and grandchildren, Jack Monahan (Mitzi), Thomas Monahan, Julia Monahan, Mackenzie Foley, Callahan Foley, Krista Foley, Anastasia Ryan and Thomas Ryan. John attended Mass, often daily, at Our Lady of Las Vegas Catholic Church and served as Grand Knight for the Knights of Columbus. Visitation will be 4-5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 11, with Rosary following 5-6 p.m. and traditional Irish wake following 6-8 p.m., all at Bunkers Mortuary, 925 Las Vegas Blvd. N. John Foley's funeral Mass will be said at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov.12, at Our Lady of Las Vegas Catholic Church, 3050 Alta Drive. Graveside service following at Woodlawn Cemetery, 1500 Las Vegas Blvd. N., where his wife, parents, grandfather and brothers are buried. Pall bearers will be his sons-in-law, Michael Monahan, John Maxey and Thomas Ryan, nephew, Dan Foley, and grandsons, Jack and Thomas Monahan. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Clark County Law Library are requested.

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