Obituary of John T Mooney

John T. Mooney, born January 26, 1926, a man dedicated to his community and a true patriot, passed away at the Lahey Clinic Hospital & Medical Center on Sunday, December 2, 2018, he was 92 years old. John passed away just seven weeks after the death of his wife Virginia who passed away on October 11.

John was born, raised and educated in Somerville. He was the son of Irish immigrants, the late John and Julia Mooney.  John was a veteran of the United States Navy serving his country in World War II. He served from February 6, 1943 until February 4, 1947 achieving the rank of Gunner’s Mate 3C. John was the recipient of the Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal, American Theatre Medal, European African Medal and the Asiatic Pacific Medal. He travelled all over the world during his tours with the navy, Boston, New York, Panama, San Diego, Hawaii, Shanghai, Singapore, Ceylon, The Middle East, and ending   in San Francisco. His love of this country became an important part of his life. He also served in the Navy Reserves for 15 years after he left the Navy. John was a member, and held several leadership positions, in the American Legion Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Disabled American Veterans. He was also a member of the Allied Veterans Council and served as its longtime treasurer. He never missed an event in town that involved the veterans from the Veterans Day Services, Memorial Day, selling Poppies on Election Day or placing flags on veterans’ graves.  He was also a regular participant in the annual July 4^th Parade in Burlington.

John and Virginia settled in Burlington in 1959. He was a quiet man that simply enjoyed being with his family and friends.  As a young family they enjoyed camping in the different state and national parks throughout the United States. The family had one unforgettable trip where they drove cross country in the family station wagon traveling from Boston to California and back. It was a memorable four-week vacation that left lasting memories. John was a self-taught car mechanic and shared his skills with his son Kevin, as well as his daughters Julie and Colleen. He also enjoyed collecting coins which was a longtime hobby he shared with his grandchildren.  

         John had a long and successful 33-year career as a Metro Police Officer (MDC) serving in and around the City of Boston. As well as patrolling the Boston Harbor on The State Police Boats for 15 years. In his job he patrolled of the Roads, Highways, Charles River, wooded Parklands and Harbor Islands under jurisdiction of the State. When John retired in 1991, he retired under the auspices of the State Police. 

During his retirement years John could be found at “Center Dunk” spending time with local veterans and retirees. He loved his Dunkin’ Donuts coffee. John will be remembered as a quiet and humble man who had great love for his family, his community and his country. He would lend a helping hand to anyone he knew who asked.

John was the beloved husband of the late Virginia E. (Probert) who passed away on October 11. 2018. He was the loving father of Colleen Flaherty & her late husband William of Vernon, CT, Kevin Mooney of Brooklyn, NY and Julie Anne Crosson & her husband Kenneth of Billerica. Grandfather of Jona Huard, Kellie Mejia, Michael & Ryan Flaherty and John & Cody Mulkern.  Great grandfather of Jessica, Willie & Breana Knighton, Elijah & Gabrielle Pace, Jesse Mejia and Colton & Keyleigh Flaherty.  Great-Great Grandfather of Travis, Peyton and Kiara. Brother of the late Anne Donovan, Mary Cushing & Joe Mooney. Special Uncle to Tracey Russell and Barbara Hoffman both of California. Funeral commences at the Edward V Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (Exit 34 off Rt. 128/95 Woburn side) on Friday, December 7 at 9 a.m. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Malachy Church, 99 Bedford St. Burlington at 10 a.m. Visiting hours at the Funeral Home on Thursday, Dec. 6 are from 4-8 p.m. Memorials in John’s name may be made to PEOPLE HELPING PEOPLE, PO BOX 343 BURLINGTON MA 01803

Family Remembrance by Kevin Mooney

John T. Mooney, my Dad, had many very good friends. He was my very good friend. If you asked him for a favor, he would gladly assist you in any way he could. He would often volunteer his help without you asking.  He was quietly kind, loving and giving.

His humor was sharp and dry. It would sneak up on you gently and leave a lasting impression. We recently discovered a postcard that he sent to my mother back in the eighties when he was on a trip in Texas to commemorate the navy ship the USS Helena which he was on in WWII, He wrote, ”Hi, See You in four years Just re-enlisted on the New U.S.S. Helena, Love John”. That was it. If you knew my Mother, you would know that that was a real zing.

My Dad loved being in the Navy. He loved being in the Navy Reserves. He loved working on the Boston Harbor Police Boats. He loved the ocean. He traveled all over the world in the Navy. I suppose he inspired my own wanderlust. He inspired many people about many things, I am sure.

There was no pretense with my Dad. He was as honest as anyone could be. He was the consummate civil servant. He wasn’t a policeman for the power or the glory but because he wanted to help people. I think that all my family has and will try to live up to his common-sense values. He was not a complainer unless it had to do with the middleclass getting screwed. Then he was quite vocal about the bums in office and where they could go.

He loved his semi-daily visits up to Dunkin’ Donuts to be with his friends, some who were veterans and others who he knew from all the town functions he had participated in over the nearly 60 years he lived in Burlington.

It’s fitting that today is Pearl Harbor Day. The day my father is being laid to rest. He was inspired by this day to sign-up to serve his country. This date will become much more significant in our lives as we remember our father.

We, I will miss him for the rest of my life. He cannot be replaced. I love you so very much Dad.