John Queeney, Jr.

At President Kennedy's inaugural address of 1961 he said, "Ask not what your country can do for you…ask what you can do for your country." Taking his Presidents advice John Peter Queeney Jr . volunteered for the Naval Reserves in 1963, as the Vietnam War ramped up. By his own hand, on Feb 4th 1964, John wrote to the Chief of Naval Personnel and asked for active duty as soon as possible. After a lifetime of service to God, family, friends and his country he died peacefully on June 22, 2020. He was 78.

Born on April 17, 1942 in Cambridge he was one of three children born to Margaret and John P Queeney Senior. John was raised in Dorchester and Milton, where education was the main focus of the family. Not only did John attend Milton High, he was also an Eagle Scout. Johns educational prowess allowed him to matriculate to Tufts University for his undergraduate degree, and Northeastern University and Boston University where he earned two Masters Degrees in engineering. He also was accepted at Harvard University but the Vietnam War got in the way of his degree.

Johns professional career began with the Milton News Service in 1957 at 15 years old. He then headed to MB Foster Electric, as an apprentice. Ultimately, after his service in Vietnam, and his completion of his university studies, John landed at General Electric as an engineer in the jet engines division in Lynn Massachusetts where he worked for over 30 years. He just retired at 78 years old.

Predisposed and baptized with the blessing of a wonderful Irish heritage John had a very dry sense of humor, quick wit and overall affable and quiet personality. When not at work at GE, or with his large circle of friends deemed "The Men Of The North", John enjoyed boating, and walking his daughters furry friends, including his one and only Clyde. If you wanted a lively conversation simply bring up GE, politics, or the stock market and hours would fly by. John also was a photographer, and the pictures of family gatherings often produced some gems.

It is an undisputed fact that Irish heritages make wonderful couples and families. With a shared attendance at Tufts University, and the love of good people, delicious food and beverage, John was fortunate to carpool with, and later marry Patricia (Calnan) Queeney on May 13th 1967. For over 53 years they were each other's best friend, companion, chauffeur, international travel partner, and confidant on life's wonderful journey.

John and his wife Patricia raised and educated their two daughters, Lisa Manning and Beth Jackson. His three girls were his life.

In addition to his wife, Patricia he leaves his children, Lisa Manning of Swampscott and Beth Jackson of Wakefield; his sisters Alicia Brown of GA and Virginia Scanlon of Duxbury; His sons in law Leonard Jackson of Wakefield and Jeff Manning of Swampscott; his sister-in-law Peg Jenkins of Braintree; his grandchildren, Morgan Jackson, John Manning, and Cole Manning.

Naval motto's that John lived by: "Honor, Courage, Commitment" and "Ready to Lead, Ready to Follow, Never Quit."

Family and friends will honor and remember Johns life by gathering at his funeral. Mass will be celebrated on Saturday June 27nd at Saint Patrick's Parish, 71 Central Street, Stoneham, MA at 10 am. Burial with military honors follow at Saint Patrick's Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name may be made to SACS Food Pantry, 9 Gerry Street, Stoneham MA, 02180 or St Patrick's Parish, 71 Central Street, Stoneham MA 02180.

Arrangements in the care of the McDonald-Finnegan Funeral Home, Stoneham.

June 27, 2020
10:00 AM

St. Patrick Church
71 Central St.
Stoneham, MA 02180