James Macaleer Day declared in county

Commissioners approve a proclamation for the late founder of SMS known for good works

Recently deceased founder of Shared Medical Systems is remembered by Chester County.

In life, R. James Macaleer was a tireless worker for improving lives in Chester County.

In death, he is someone county residents should remember and try to emulate, according to Chester County Commissioners.

That’s why the commissioners agreed this week to a proc- lamation declaring Jan. 29 R. James Macaleer Day in the county, to commemorate the life and good works of the founder of Shared Medical Systems.

In addition to building a company that remains one of the county’s largest employers, Macaleer worked for, and gave generously to, many nonprofits in the area, the commissioners noted in making the proclamation.

Some of the recipients of Macaleer’s generosity included: The Boy Scouts of America, where he earned the Distinguished Eagle and Silver Beaver Awards, the Brandywine Valley Association, the Natural Lands Trust, the Philadelphia Academy of Natural Sciences and the Chester County Food Bank.

In addition, his family foundation continues to contribute significant sums to Chester County organizations, the commissioners noted.

In business and education, Macaleer received an honorary degree from Drexel University, the “Entrepreneurial Excellence” award from the Delaware Valley Venture Group and the “Legend CEO” award from the Pennsylvania Eastern Technology Council.

“Now, therefore be it resolved that the Board of Commissioners, County of Chester, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania hereby proclaims January 29, 2016, as R. James Macaleer

Day in Chester County, acknowledging Jim’s tremendous economic and philanthropic legacy. The Board calls upon all Chester County citizens to honor the memory of R. James Macaleer by continuing this legacy, donating time, talents and gifts to benefit business, civic and charitable organizations.”

“At Chester County Boy Scouts, every day is James Macaleer Day,” said Scout Executive Charles E. Rogers Jr. “His support made the Chester Council one of the top councils in the nation.

Members of Macaleer’s family – his widow, Jean, his daughter, Cynthia Sansone Macaleer and her husband Steve Sansone, his sister Judy and sister-in-law Susan Macaleer Pedersen – attended Tuesday’s commissioners’ meeting where the proclamation was presented.

Jan. 29 was chosen because it was Macaleer’s birthday.

Commissioners’ Chairman Terence Farrell said he had the opportunity show a version of the proclamation to Macaleer at his home a short time before Macaleer died on Oct. 29, a memory Farrell said he cherishes.

Cynthia Sansone Macaleer said her father was like an umbrella who “covered and protected” many of the county’s charitable organizations.

Seve Sansone said his fa- ther-in-law was known as “Mr. Anonymous” in many circles.

“When I told him about the proclamation they were going to give him, his quote to me was, ‘Why?’”

Shared Medical Systems, a healthcare information processing systems company based in the Great Valley Corporate Center in East Whiteland, became an internationally recognized billion dollar company.

Eventually Siemens Health Services purchased it and it is now a business unit of Cerner Corp. of Kansas City, Missouri.

PETE BANNAN — DIGTIAL FIRST MEDIA Chester County Commissioners Michelle Kichline and Terrence Farrell talk with Jean Macaleer, widow of James Macaleer, a longtime Chester County resident and volunteer. The commissioners declared Jan. 29as James Macaleer Day in the county.

PETE BANNAN — DIGTIAL FIRST MEDIA The Chester County Commissioners declared Jan. 29as James Macaleer Day in the county. Gathered, from left, are commissioners Terrence Farrell and Michelle Kichline; county spokeswoman Patricia G. Mains; Steve Sansone; Cynthia Macleer Sansone; Jean...