Published in the December 29, 2016 edition
ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico — John J. Hooley, former resident of Las Cruces, New Mexico, South Yarmouth and Wakefield passed away in Albuquerque, New Mexico on November 7 surrounded by family.
Born in Somerville on August 26, 1923, he is survived by his wife of 65 years, Catherine Barry Hooley of Las Cruces, NM; children Eileen and William Hull of Danville, NH, Mary Hooley and David Friedman of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Anne and Timothy Buckley of Wenham, Robert and Katherine Hooley of Vancouver, BC; and Joan and Henry Wolf of Georgetown. In addition, he is survived by grandchildren Rebecca Friedman and husband Sam Mulvey, Jess and James Friedman, Meaghan Hull, Ryan and Eric Buckley, Ian, Elisse and Paul Hooley and Isaiah Wolf. He was predeceased by his parents, James and Helen Hooley and his brother James.
Mr. Hooley graduated with honors from Boston College High School in 1941. He was a graduate of Bentley College where he earned a degree in accounting.
Drafted into the Army Specialized Training Program, he attended Yale, Princeton, and Clemson. In the 171st Engineering Combat Battalion, Mr. Hooley served in Belgium, France, the Netherlands, and Germany, and at the Battle of the Bulge. For his meritorious bravery and service , he was awarded the Bronze Star for clearing Nazi minefields while under fire from the enemy. An oral history of Mr. Hooley’s army career and service was recorded as part of the Veterans Project in the Library of Congress. He was a proud member of the American Legion for 57 years.
He married Catherine J. Barry in 1951 at St Gregory’s Church in Dorchester Mass. and raised their 5 children in Somerville and Wakefield Mass. As an accountant, Mr. Hooley first worked for First Boston Corp. and Dairy Transport for 16 years. He was employed by Ryder Truck Rental until his retirement in 1985.
Mr. Hooley was a member of St. Joseph’s Church in Wakefield. After retirement, they moved to Cape Cod where he spent time with family and friends, playing golf and continuing to be active members of the Catholic church. After enduring several harsh winters in New England, they moved to Las Cruces, New Mexico, where they enjoyed the warm dry climate. They were parishioners at St. Albert the Great Church in Las Cruces.
John was an avid reader and sports fan. He played baseball, bowled, golfed and was in an adult hockey league in Boston. He loved the New England Patriots, Boston Red Sox, and Boston Bruins. He frequently instructed all his children in the finer points of baseball, football, hockey, and golf. He will be remembered for his witty sayings, his character and intelligence, and his commitment and devotion to his family.
A funeral Mass and services will be held on June 24, 2017 at St. Luke the Evangelist in Plaistow NH, followed by a celebration of life at the Haverhill (Mass.) Country Club.
There will be a private burial in the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne.
