John Tony Mageras

John Tony “J.T.” Mageras, born on March 25, 1943 in Salt Lake City, Utah, passed away peacefully on July 16, 2026 at his home in Magna, Utah. John was the son of Anton “Tony” and Wilma (Pharmakis) Mageras.

Family was important to John. His life was changed forever when his father was killed in a tragic accident when John was just eleven years old. This loss profoundly affected his life and strengthened his commitment to his family. John had a close relationship with his siblings and was his children and grandchildren’s biggest fan. No one was more special to John than his wife of almost sixty-three years. He married Sharlene Buckner on August 8, 1963 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Early in their marriage, job opportunities moved their young family all over the map before finally settling for good back in their hometown of Magna, where they raised their three children, Mark, Mike, and Meredith. John was proud of his Magna roots and cherished the friendships he made over the years in his community.

John was a talented high school athlete, earning a baseball scholarship to Southern Utah University. He remained an avid sports fan his entire life and loved to quiz others about sports trivia, talk about his glory days, or discuss anything happening in the world of sports. John worked for Gus Paulos Chevrolet for thirty-three years, retiring in 2016. While there, he built lasting friendships with coworkers and customers alike.

John was known for his genuine kindness and hospitality to everyone, including the neighborhood dogs, who could always count on a treat from him. Everyone was always welcome in the Mageras home and offered a drink and some food, whether you wanted it or not. John was a masterful storyteller and always added his own flair as he embellished details along the way.

He is survived by his wife Sharlene, his children, Mark (Britt), Mike, and Meredith Brown Wahlquist (Matt), his grandchildren (Megan, Abby, Emily, Mia, Katy, Cameron, Vivia, and Violet), and his sister Barbara Paulos. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, George Mageras, sisters Georgene McQuivey and Elaine Smith, and his son-in-law Nate Brown.

We will miss John and his generous and watchful spirit. We’ll get home safe, J.T.

Visitation Times:

Monday, July 20, 2026 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Peel Funeral Home, 8525 West Magna Main Street, Magna, Utah

Tuesday, July 21, 2026 from 10:00-10:45 a.m. at the Lake Ridge 11th Ward Building, 7825 West Sharon Drive, Magna.

Funeral Services: Tuesday, July 21, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at the Lake Ridge 11th Ward Building, 7825 West Sharon Drive, Magna, UT

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