Shrewsbury – John E. McGonagle, 89, of Shrewsbury, formerly of Charlestown, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 15, 2021 at Christopher House of Worcester.
Born in Charlestown, John was one of four children of the late John and Helen (Doherty) McGonagle. He graduated from Roxbury Memorial High School, where he learned Typesetting. At 20 years old, John enlisted in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict in 1952, serving in South Korea and reaching the rank of Sergeant First Class as a Scout Dog Platoon Sergeant. He was also a Scout Dog trainer with the 37th Infantry Scout Dog Platoon.
John was honorably discharged in 1955 and returned home. He then enjoyed a lengthy career in news printing, working for the Dedham Transcript and the MetroWest Daily News for more than 35 years.
John enjoyed, and was dedicated to, his career, but his true joy in life was spending time with his large family. He had a wonderful sense of humor and was always entertaining.
John leaves his beloved children: Sheila Quirk and her husband Al, John G. McGonagle and his wife Amy, Kevin McGonagle, Kathleen McGonagle, and Matthew McGonagle; his grandchildren, Kevin Quirk and his wife Kristen, Kelly Quirk, Daniel Quirk, Kathryn Quirk, John C. McGonagle, Megan McGonagle and her wife Melissa, Brian McGonagle, Jack McGonagle, Nicholas McGonagle, Kate McGonagle, Matthew Bouffard, Shannon Bouffard, Owen Bouffard, Ryan Bouffard, Maureen McGonagle, Bridget McGonagle, and Patrick McGonagle; his sister-in-law, Eileen McGonagle, of Quincy; his special cousins, Mary (McGonagle) Johnson, of Donegal, Ireland, and Anna Estle, of Melrose; his former wife and friend, Janet E. (Doherty) McGonagle, of Shrewsbury; and numerous cherished nieces and nephews. He was also proud to be welcoming a much-loved and anticipated first great-grandchild, imminently. John was predeceased by his siblings, Helen Doherty, Philip McGonagle, and Francis McGonagle.
His family wishes to extend a grateful ‘thank you’ to the staff of Christopher Heights Assisted Living, Christopher House Belmont Unit, and the Jewish Hospice. John was fortunate enough to have wonderful caregivers from all three locations over the past 5.5. years. The family of John is forever grateful to them all. He could often be seen outside, smoking his pipe, and enjoying the weather.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Christopher House, 10 Mary Scano Drive, Worcester, MA 01605.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with the McGonagle family between 3:00 and 6:00 PM on Sunday, November 21, 2021 at the BRITTON-SHREWSBURY FUNERAL HOME, 648 Main Street, Shrewsbury – where masks will kindly be required, per the Town of Shrewsbury. Burial will be held privately at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne.
