Tribute to John McNamara

John McNamara’s ashes were spread at Nationals Park in Washington D.C. according to the wishes he shared with his wife, Andrea Chamblee. Chamblee shared her doubts about how realistic this dream was.

“I was dumbstruck, I thought they couldn’t possibly do it.”

McNamara, 56, was a lifetime sports fan and sports writer who worked at the Capital Gazette for more than 20 years.

In addition to granting his request, Nationals Park also honored the fan with a name plate and flowers in the press box in the stadium.

Dave Johnson, Senior Sports Director at Washington’s Top News (WTOP) remembered an interview that McNamara conducted with him about his job at WTOP; “Through his inquisitive and sensitive questioning, McNamara did a wonderful job of telling my story. The article was more about why I do what I do, instead of what I do.” Johnson was familiar with McNamara in various capacities.