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Michael Moynihan Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Michael Moynihan
Seamus Moynihan
July 28, 2010
Mike,
If I’ve learned anything in life, its that just because you have a brother does not necessarily mean you get along with him or have anything more than family in common with him, so I have always thought myself blessed that I counted both my brothers Mike and Kieran as my best friends. Mike was nine years older than me to within a few days so anytime we found ourselves in the same Country at that time of year we naturally celebrated it together with Birthday cakes and family, maybe because of this we found we had a lot in common such as our unusual taste in music which ranged from Classical, to Irish traditional to Blues, Jazz, Rock and even modern, but like everything Mike did his collection of music would leave me whistling show tunes, as would his guitar playing most of what I learned about playing guitar, Mike thought me, he was a really accomplished player, and again where I just wasted money on Art supplies Mike seriously excelled in fact one of my all time favourite pieces is hanging pride of place in my home, it is a painting he done from a photo I once gave him of Kieran, my son Paul and myself taken in South Lebanon in 1998 where all three of us were serving with the Irish Army, that piece gives me such great pleasure, especially now that he's gone, he was so proud of us and what we were doing that it comes out in his work.
In the last ten years or so we have tried to get together as often as possible, at least once a year, and I like to think it played a part in his brave fight, I also truly believe his trips home did him more good than medication as it seemed to rejuvenate him, because every time he landed in Shannon Airport both Kieran and myself would be there at 6.30 in the morning to meet him, and he would come through arrivals with the biggest smile and then hug us till it hurt, he was well known for his hugs called himself a “Mother Hugger.” Then outside the door he would he would take a deep breath like a man starved of oxygen and say “God, you can’t beat that Irish air”. Regardless of the weather, which was usually wet he would insist on having the sun roof open so that he could put both hands through it to draw more into the car, you could be pretty wet at the end of a two hour drive, but you could never deny him that air. Finally arriving at Noreen’s home for a full Irish Breakfast, and a lot of catching up.
While at home he would make every effort to visit with as many old friends and relations that was humanly possible, and of course no trip home was complete without a call to his favourite pub The Rising Tide where again we would always sit outside and drink Guinness and he’d pocket some beer mats as souvenirs. Then of course time would fly by and as his last few days approached he would become quiet and down, so to take his mind off leaving we would start planning our next visit over to Boston often going as far as booking it before he left so we could get a countdown going.
On our trips over to Mike in the last few years it gave us great pleasure to help him with some odd jobs around the house, that he knew had to be done but was now physically unable to do himself, but that never stopped him entertaining us with his incredible sense of humour, my brother never stopped joking and kidding around, even about his Cancer, I guess he figured if he belittled it, it could not bring him down, I’ve seen bravery during my life but nothing to compare with the daily combat Mike fought against that terrible disease, fought and won for many years, against all odds, and blood results and Doctors warnings, with nothing more than a great sense of humour a deep Faith in God and St Anthony and who knows, maybe even a breath of Irish air.
Mike I hope you forgive me for not being there in your corner when you finally lost your fight, it is not something I could ever have imagined happening, but when Kieran gets back next month from the orphanages in Rumania we are planning a day, dedicated to your memory, beginning with a private Mass with all your family and friends, which will include a selection of your favourite Irish Traditional music, then later we will have refreshments Irish style with lots of funny stories and no tears just the way you would have liked it, and finally one last promise to you that Noreen, Kieran and myself will come visit you before the year is out.
Forgive me for dragging on but every one knows a Moynihan never uses two words when they can use two hundred. Mike I will miss you every day for as long as I live, and after that I am certain we will meet again, and my only hope is that Heaven serves a good pint of Guinness. Ar dheis De go raibh a anam delis
You’re Loving Brother
Shamie, Alison
and
Family
Michele O'Neil
July 21, 2010
Mike, you were one of the first friendly faces and "voices" when I came to THP in 1997. You were the last person to whom I said Good Bye when I left Watertown in 2008. I hope I see you again...
Michele O'Neil, Plymouth MA
Noreen Curtin
July 21, 2010
Michael,my heart is broken we never got to say goodbye.I will always cherish the wonderful memories of our very happy childhood together and in recent years when I brought you home on annual visits. Our family are blessed with an amazing sense of humour I will always remember the joy,laughter and so often the hilarious times we spent together.
Michael I also remember as a family we decided that all we had left to give you was happy memories and planned to make as many of your dreams come true.
On your first visit your nieces and nephews gave you something that you always talked about the gift of a flight over Cork harbour,the city and all our homes.The following year Joel took Seamus,you and I on a trip to Budapest,Hungary.On your next trip Joel surprised you with a visit to Paris and on your last visit we had that wonderful family trip to Martha and Stephens wedding in Wales,U.K.I will always remember your joy and wonderment at all you saw and experienced on those visits.I told you then when times got difficult you could draw on these memories.Mike its not over yet Seamus,Kieran and I have still got to go and say our own goodbyes.
Mike I always loved you and will continue to keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Your devoted sister Noreen,Joel and niece Maria
Ar dheis De go raibh a anam delis
Kay and Joe Lawless
July 20, 2010
Dear Connie,
You and Mike are part of our extended family and he will be sorely missed. I pray God will grant you the peace you need at this difficult time. May his memory be eternal.
Beverley & James Topa
July 14, 2010
Dear Connie, cousin Barb passed on the sad news about your darling Michael's passing. Our hearts go out to you in your loss. Please know that you are in our thoughts and in our prayers. With deepest sympathy, cousin Bev and hubby, Jim (Topa)
July 14, 2010
Connie we offer our sympathy to you at this time and will keep you in our prayers. The family of Fr. Bob Manning S.J. (Ray Manning and Denise McAuliffe)
Ann & Richard Bowler
July 13, 2010
Michael, you walked into our home over 40 years ago with my brother, Michael O'Hara, from Plattsburgh Air Base. We loved you from that moment on. We will remember always the wonderful times with you. We can only imagine you and Michael now in the presence of the Lord and His Mother. God Bless you, Michael and May You Rest in Peace.
Love always, Ann and Dick Bowler
Arlington, Mass
Barbara Kiernan
July 13, 2010
Dear Connie, I am so sorry to hear about Mikes passing, I know how close you were to each other and it will be a struggle each day to keep going. I will keep you in my heart and prayers always. love cousin Barbara Anne
Sheila Bennett
July 12, 2010
Connie and Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Mike taught me many valuable lessons.
"Live every act fully, as if it were your last." Never take a day for granted. Everyday is a blessing and you don't know if you will have tomorrow. He would always say ' Listen Sheila, carry your head high and do your best." I am very lucky to have met such a wonderful, caring, loving man. Thank you Mike for everything, you will be truly missed.
Kate Callahan
July 12, 2010
Though I only knew Mike briefly at THP, it was clear his purpose was to bring joy and laughter to the world. He mase me smile everytime I spoke with him.
July 12, 2010
Uncle Michael I can't believe you've gone. We love you so much and will miss you always. Steve said you were the kind of guy that made him smile on the inside ! We will never forget you, love Martha, Stephen, Brecon-Lee and Celestia. x
July 12, 2010
Connie,Both you and Mike will be missed here.I loved how Mike sang along with his IPOD!I'll keep you in my thiughts at this difficult time.Barbara Melvin
Michael Slayman
July 12, 2010
My "Fighting Irish Man"...... Your battle was hard fought, and your rest truly deserved. I only hope that I have half the strength you possessed. I will miss you dearly my friend.
Dottie Crone
July 12, 2010
To the Moynihan family,
My deepest sympathy and my prayers are with you and dear Michael. He made my days bright at Tufts Health Plan like no one else could.
Mara Laird
July 12, 2010
Mike was a wonderful person. He lit up the office with his smile and laughter. He will be missed.
Anne Breslin
July 12, 2010
Michael, thank you for friendship! I loved listening to your stories about Ireland. I miss you so much already. Work will never be the same...be at peace.
Annie
The Staff of Gaffey Funeral Home
July 12, 2010
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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