MOONEY, Joseph F. Longtime Fenway Park Groundskeeper, Member of Red Sox Hall of Fame Age 90 of Wakefield, formerly of Dedham, died on Sunday, November 29 at his residence.

Joe was born in Scranton, PA on September 6, 1930 and was the son of the late Charles and Irene (Fitzpatrick) Mooney.

Joe was raised in Scranton, Pennsylvania and was a graduate of Scranton High School. He had worked for the Red Sox Minor League affiliate in Scranton and later for the Minnosota Twins and Washington Senators organizations. He was later hired to be the Red Sox, Head of Groundskeeping by the late Tom Yawkey in 1970. He is also member of the Red Sox Hall of Fame. He retired at the age of 80.

Joe was the beloved husband of Donna G. Bering and the late Nancy Mooney. He was the loving father of JoAnn Mooney-Bak and her husband Dennis of TX. He was the cherished grandfather of Brianna Bak. He was the brother-in-law of G. Patricia White and her late husband Edward White, and the late Jennie Bering.

Services are private.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Joe's name to the Alzheimer's Association, 309 Waverley Oaks Rd., Waltham, MA 02452.

Arrangements are in the care of the McDonald Funeral Home, 19 Yale Ave., WAKEFIELD.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Boston Globe from Dec. 4 to Dec. 6, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for JOSEPH MOONEY

18 Entries

Ramon Acosta

January 21, 2025

Great Friend I worked with Joe when he worked for the Washinton 1969

Tommy Barnard

December 1, 2024

Having worked for and with Joe for over 10 years, I can tell you he was one of the most dedicated employees the Red Sox ever had. He was not only a Boss..but became a true friend that I miss dearly.
Thinking of him today, my family's condolences go out to Donna, JoAnn, Brianna and their families after all these years.

Cathy Mazur

September 13, 2023

A great guy. A good friend to my Dad. The Errico Family from Dunmore will never forget him.

Michelle & Emily Lane

April 16, 2021

Donna,

Emily and I are deeply sorry for your loss. Joe was a sweet and caring man and my dad adored him. He spoke about him all the time. I like to think that they are up there together, spending time talking about the Sox and Yankees like they did outside of our houses. Sending all our love.

Kathleen Medugno

January 17, 2021

Donna , I am so sorry to hear of Joes Passing . I have fond memories working with him at the Dutton Center .

JAMES OHARE

January 1, 2021

I worked for Joe from when I was 15-20.. 1994-2000.... He was a tough old man that taught me a lot and helped shape the man I am today. He prepared me for life in more ways than he'll ever know...I wish I could have told him as much before he passed. But he would've cussed me out..lol..those that know him understand. I will tell Joe Mooney stories and do Joe Mooney imitations till im gone. Nothing but fond memories...Jim O'Hare..proud grounds crew member

Eddie Conway

December 14, 2020

I worked for Joe 6 years on the ground crew. He was one of the most generous, caring people there is. He helped so many of us grow up to become responsible individuals. He had a tough exterior, but was all heart! I’m grateful I had the opportunity to work for him at the park. Best years!!

Don Davis

December 10, 2020

Joe was the best just had to get by his grumpiness, but kind man. I did business with him for years as long as you did what he he ask you were fine true Red Sox employee. Don Davis Banner Systems

William Carroll

December 8, 2020

I got to know Joe from working at the ballpark a lot over the years and he was a great man who will be missed by all. Rest In Peace my friend. Bill Carroll

Michael Gaffney

December 6, 2020

Just an absolutely wonderful bear of a man who helped thousands of kids during his time at Fenway, especially me. Could scare you to death and make you feel on top of the world in the same sentence. Never did suffer fools gladly, was loyal to a fault. Joe, you were one of a kind and you broke the mold. We won't soon see anyone like you, and we are the worse off for it. Godspeed my friend. I am so happy to have known you.

Kathleen White

December 6, 2020

Donna and Pat so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you.

Joseph Butash Sr. & Joe Butash Jr.

December 6, 2020

Sorry for your loss. A true baseball legend from Monroe Avenue in Dunmore and his work with the Scranton Red Sox of the Eastern League, to His work on the turf with the legendary Boston Red Soxat Fenway. My son and I cherish our visits with Mr. Mooney in 2004 and again in 2012 when Joe was inducted into the Red Sox Hall of Fame. Thanks fo the memories, Joe!
Joe Butash Sr. & Joe Jr.
Dickson City, Pa.
(Scranton, Pa.)

Christos Hatzopoulos

December 6, 2020

I am very sorry to hear about Joe's passing. As soon as I turned 16, I walked into Fenway Park in 1973 and he gave me a job as a groundskeeper on the spot. Let's just say I was scared right off working for him! He loved Fenway Park, the Red Sox, and his employees. I could not have been happier working for him and at Fenway Park. As a co-op student at Northeastern University , I later landed an assignment in Washington D.C. I did not know anyone one there. Joe gave me his telephone number and told me to come visit him, (or if I needed anything) in Bowie, MD (where he lived at the time when not in Boston). I never forgot his generosity. He will always be in my prayers.
In Memory,
Chris Hatzopoulos
West Roxbury, MA

December 6, 2020

My sense is that Joe Mooney was one of the most honest, down-to-earth and classiest people to ever work in a high-profile role for the Red Sox, including players and owners. Unfortunately, it seems there's not many like him left. Rest in peace, in the place where the grass is even greener than Fenway.

Virginia Javery Heres

December 5, 2020

Joe was always a bright spot at Fenway Park. He and my husband Dutch Heres were friends at Fenway. After my husband passed Joe was always a good friend. My office was further down in the bowels of Fenway so we were always remembering the good times. May you Rest In Peace my friend Fly high with the angels. And give em hell

Liane Barrett

December 5, 2020

I am sorry to hear that Joe has passed away. It was a wonderful guy like hearing his stories about being the groundskeeper for the Boston Red Sox. Once he was wearing a Red Sox ring on his finger he took it off put on mine I say wow Joe this ring cool it has some weight to he started laughing. I will always remember him at the Dutton Center as a client. May he Rest In Peace. Donna his daughter and granddaughter my prayers and thoughts are with you all.

Brenda G Hughes

December 4, 2020

Mr. Mooney, thank you for your service at Fenway. May you rest in eternal peace.

ALICE CASAMENTO

December 4, 2020

Rich and I are sorry to hear of Joe's passing. It was our pleasure to get to know you both through the Dutton Center
Thinking of you both with love,
Alice and Rich (from Masstran)

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