Worked for Hunt’s Photo, dedicated sports fan
Published March 27, 2019
LYNNFIELD — John P. Duggan Jr., 76, a longtime Lynnfield resident, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Thursday, March 21, 2019 at his home.
Born in Concord on September 27, 1942, John was one of three children of the late John P. and Elizabeth (Slimond) Duggan Sr. John grew up in Lynnfield and graduated high school in 1960. He married his high school sweetheart, Karen R. Simpson, in 1960, and they settled in Lynnfield.
John started work at the Duggan Drug Store, which his parents owned, and honed his skills in sales. After working for his folks, he went to work for Daly’s Pharmaceutical for a number of years before he wound up at Wagon Photo and then Hunt’s Photo in Melrose, where he worked until his retirement in December. After his retirement, he continued to work as an independent contractor.
More than anything, John adored his wife and family. He was especially active in all their lives, and enjoyed the times he had them over at his house, just to spend some time together. He particularly treasured his grandchildren, and hardly missed any event they may have had going on.
John loved his sports. He was a huge fan of BC football, and was a season ticket holder for the Pats, unfortunately though, that was before the new era everyone is familiar with now. He still loved his teams regardless of their record, and he was a faithful traveler for away games. He enjoyed his road trips with his best friends Dave and Red, and his son to go catch a game at a far off place, and never missed Spring Training down in Ft. Meyers, Fla.
John was an active member of the Wakefield-Lynnfield Elks Lodge, enjoyed coin collecting, cars, and listening to Irish and country music. John could also be found grilling some of his favorite meats while enjoying an ice cold Schlitz with his beloved Karen by his side, and his family all throughout his home.
John was a major force in the lives of his family and friends. His sense of humor, grand ability to tell a joke, and the warm love in his heart for all will be greatly missed.
John was the beloved husband of the late Karen R. (Simpson) Duggan, with whom he shared 57 years of marriage. He was the devoted father of Julianne E. Hines of Rochester, N.H., Kathleen Duggan, John P. Duggan III and his wife Natalie, and Amy M. Fuller and her husband Paul, all of Danvers. He was the dear brother of Connie Erb and her partner Richard Suleski of Rockport and St. Augustine, Florida; and Margaret A. Weichert and her husband George of Lynnfield. He was the proud grandfather of John P. IV, Timothy, Jillian, Isabelle, Jarrod, Andrew and Martin. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Kathy A. Simpson of Chelmsford; Carol A. Simpson of Wakefield; brother-in-law Christopher K. Simpson and his wife Pauline of Merritt Island, Fla.; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends gathered in honor and remembrance of John’s life during visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Monday, March 25 and again on Tuesday before leaving in procession to St. Maria Goretti Church, 112 Chestnut St., Lynnfield, for his Mass of Christian Burial. Interment took place at Willow Cemetery, Lynnfield.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Wakefield-Lynnfield Elks Lodge #1276 Raymond F. Simpson Scholarship Fund, 63 Bay State Rd., Lynnfield, MA 01940, or the Mass General North Shore Cancer Center, MGH Development Office, 165 Cambridge St., Suite 600, Boston, MA 02114. For online tribute visit www.RobinsonFuneralHome.com.
