Published in the February 10, 2017 edition
SAUGUS — John F. Crowley, 89, a resident of Saugus, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, February 4.
John was born in Somerville on May 8, 1927, one of two children of the late Dennis F. Crowley and Nellie E. (Boyd) Crowley.
A “Townie,” John was forever proud of his roots growing up in Charlestown.
After graduating from high school, he served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II. Following his honorable discharge, he began his over 30-year working career at New England Telephone as a repairman.
John and Eleanor lived Woburn and Malden while raising six children before eventually settling in Saugus.
John was a longtime member of the Irish American Club in Malden, the American Legion in Woburn, and the Old Charlestown Schoolboys. A real character, John loved cutting up coupons, or driving from place to place to find a bargain. In his free time at home, he enjoyed puttering around the yard, tending to the flower or vegetable garden, or catching a college football game.
John was also an avid golfer, enjoyed traveling with his wife Eleanor and friends, or spending time on Cape Cod at their second home in Sandwich.
True to his Irish heritage, John was the source of laughter and fun wherever he went. He never missed an opportunity to share a story or a joke, or re-share the same story or joke many times. He remembered many stories from his youth and happily recounted them over and over. He made a lasting mark on his family and friends with his one of a kind sense of humor that kept everyone guessing.
John’s life was marked by friends, family, laughter, and if enjoyed with a glass of scotch and a Celtic tune, all the better. John will be missed but always lovingly remembered.
John was the beloved husband of the late Eleanor M. “El” (Cassidy) Crowley with whom he shared 62 years of marriage. He was the devoted father of Maureen A. McNair and her husband Daniel of Peabody, Kevin F. Crowley and his wife Wendy of Malden, Shawn F. Crowley and his wife Kelly of Oklahoma City, OK, Colleen M. Sweeney and her husband James of Saugus, Eileen M. DeMaggio and her companion Paul Kidney of Melrose, and the late Kathleen M. Crowley. He was the caring brother of Dorothy Powers of Winchester. Predeceased by dear son-in-law Victor A. DeMaggio. Cherished grandfather of Shane McNair, Devan McNair, Jennifer Crowley, Dr. Patrick Crowley, Ryan Crowley, Caitlin Sweeney, and Ian Sweeney. Also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends will gather in honor and remembrance of John’s life during visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Friday, February 10 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., and again on Saturday at 8:45 a.m. before leaving in procession to Blessed Sacrament Church, 14 Summer St., Saugus for his funeral Mass celebrated at 10 a.m.
Interment in Puritan Lawn Memorial Park, Peabody.
Gifts in John’s memory may be made to Boston Children’s Hospital, 401 Park Dr., Ste 602, Boston, MA 02215.
For online tribute, or directions visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com
