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John Patrick McGonigle
John Patrick McGonigle
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John McGonigle Obituary
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Timthy Murphy
November 10, 2022
Sorry for your loss,sorrier still that I was unable to attend. Miss you all .
Gretchen S George
November 7, 2022
Ann,
I was so sad to hear the passing of your wonderful Dad and was sorry I was out of town for the wake. Hoping to see you and your family over the holidays. Love to all, Gretchen
Vin and Bill Apruzzese
November 6, 2022
We were so sorry to hear of Jackie´s passing and blessed to have seen him shortly before... he was always a friend and will be deeply missed
Joanne & Paul Sagarino
November 5, 2022
We were so sad to hear of the Sheriff's passing. John was a kind, loyal, caring friend, with a big smile. He was so good to my father and mother, he never forgot his friends. I will miss seeing him in Panera with his friends, always with a story. He will be missed by so many. God bless him, may he rest in peace with his wife and daughter. Our prayers and sympathy to his family.
Sagarino/Griffin Family
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Liz Cremens
November 3, 2022
I first met John when he was a Juvenile Probation Officer in Cambridge and I worked as a staff attorney for the Public Defender. John was a tough but fair task master to his probationers who were young and impressinable but they knew he was fair and could be trusted. I am sure he made a real difference in many of his probationers' lives.
Some years later we competed to be appointed Middlesex Sheriff on the death of Sheriff Henneberry. John prevailed and was appointed Sheriff by Governor Dukakis. Our friendship and respect for each other continued throughout the years.
When we would encounter one another, sadly usually at wakes for mutual acquatances, we reminisced about our days in Cambridge Juvenile Court. Sometimes John would report on the current success one of the probationers who had kept in touch with him.
May he rest in peace.
Brad Mastrangelo
November 2, 2022
I am so sorry to hear of John's passing. It's because of Mac that I met my wife Stephanie. I'm forever indebted to you for this. You also saw that I needed help in a very rough time in my life. You made sure I got that help. You're life was about helping people and that you did. Rest In Peace with Niki, you're legacy will live on!
MaryAnn and Mike Durkin
November 2, 2022
Dear Ann and Shawn
So sorry to hear about the death of your dad. Mike and I wish to express our sincere condolences
Cliff McDonald
November 2, 2022
I was sad to learn of John's passing and I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to get to know such a wonderful person. I only met John a few years ago as he and my mother, Jane McDonald, shared a special friendship that started later in life for both of them. I had heard of John earlier as my mother had worked for him when he was Sheriff of Middlesex County. I also had several friends who were either directly helped or advised by John or who had family members who were beneficiaries of John's kindness, generosity and leadership. Over the past few years I had several long conversations with John. Most of them were spontaneous and many of these occurred at Panera Bread, where I go often to get some work done when I am visiting my mother. John always seemed genuinely interested in spending time together, getting to know me, and he was more "present" when spending time together than anyone I can recall. In a world today of quick judgment and divisiveness John truly did seek to understand. He seemed to have great awareness of the human condition - and it involves failure, loss and suffering - and he always wanted to find opportunities to help people have better lives with more positive emotions. I see John as a role model and I aspire to be like him and lead with compassion. I will do my best to carry his spirit and his leadership approach forward and I know that my friend John does indeed rest easy. Thank you John for being so good to my mother, to me and to countless others. You have earned your peace.
jim randazza
November 2, 2022
Danny, so sorry to hear of John's passing. We had a lot of laughs the few times we were together. Especially when we painted the cottage on the cape.He always asked about the family and anyone who knew him- also knew he would do anything for a friend. God bless you Dan and may John rest in sweet peace. Jim&Mary Randazza
Kevin Hardy and Family
November 1, 2022
I dont know really where to start.John was so beloved and respected and trusted by all..He was as honorable a man as you ever met.His word meant something.He could engage anyone with his personality.He was one of a kind for sure as myself and everyone who knew him especially from all old timers from Somerville and Charlestown will attest.He always had you laughing with a funny story and help guide you with some advice if you needed it.. and He was so proud of his daughters and he would share many stories about them as well.
We will all miss John..
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family..
May Rest in peace old friend
Marie Rauseo Guise
November 1, 2022
Mac was the kindest, most compassionate man and a good friend. I always thought he was a great soul disguised as an Everett townie.
My deepest condolences to Ann, all of his family, and to Jane. He will be greatly missed by everyone who had the good fortune to know him.
Ed Souza
October 31, 2022
Few people have helped change so many lives for the better. Whether it was those he worked with in the criminal justice system or the many who worked for him over the years. He was a good guy. My condolences to all his loved ones. Rest in eternal peace, John.
Tommy Medeiros
October 31, 2022
Hi I had the pleasure of meeting John at Panera where once and a while we would chat about people whom he had known through the years,his Daughter and recently his son in law who he could not change his mind in his political affiliation that just made me laugh he was old-school and There is nothing wrong with that.One of the workers told me that he heard he passed and I couldn't believe it I thought for sure there would be another day to chat with my friend John who would always wave me over to say hi. I will miss seeing him in the corner of Panera with that big smile Rest In Peace my friend. To the family I'm very sorry for your Loss
John McAdam
October 31, 2022
Yes, a good number of us Everett youths played on the Huskies when Mac was the coach. It was a foundational experience that we all valued and a friendship that extended into our adult lives. Mac was a good guy, a knowledgeable individual, a good conversationalist, and someone who could be counted on in life by many of us.
"Until we meet again,
may God hold you
in the palm of his hand."
John McAdam
Eleanor Cotter (Plati)
October 31, 2022
In loving memory of a wonderful person. I enjoyed meeting Jackie at Panera and talking about the old neighborhood and getting into political discussions.
Raymond /Ruth Kelley
October 30, 2022
Ann and Family, We are deeply saddened to hear of the death of your dad. John helped so many young kids in probation and will be remembered as one of the best; Johns unwavering commitment to those suffering with substance use disorders incarcerated at the Billerica House of Corrections was unique , creative , and a major force in treatment in the late 80's that influenced future models of care for those in the criminal justice system at every level. John was a compassionate man who will be remembered by so many who knew and loved him. Peace John! Ray /Ruth Kelley
Michael Hughes
October 30, 2022
I have so many positive memories of John both as a coach and a friend. He had lasting impressions on many young men from Everett. He was a strong influence in so many ways. He will Long Be remembered. My very sincere wishes for best for his family. He will be missed. Mike Hughes
Donnalyn Sullivan
October 30, 2022
Ann & family,
I am so saddened to hear of your Dad's passing. He was an amazing man and mentor and the world is a darker place without him in it. He had a smile that lit up the hallways at Cambridge and Billerica. I have always been grateful for the opportunity he gave me 32 years ago. I had a conversation with him this past year to let him know I returned to the department and told him that I appreciated everything he did for me. I am so very thankful that I did. He was the Best Boss and will always be affectionately known to me and so many as "The Sheriff". There hasn't been a leader like him, since. May all of your fond memories ease the pain you are feeling at this difficult time. God Bless John McGonigle and may he rest in eternal peace.
PAULINE DOHERTY
October 30, 2022
My sincere sympathy to Anne, her family and Mac's friends. Met Mac and Nicky at BC became good friends! That friendship lasted many years. A blessing! God speed, Mac, to your reward. Your spirit will live with us always!
Larry Bourque
October 30, 2022
Was a great boss who cared about his staff and inmates alike. John made sure their health care needs were met without prejudice. Sorry for your loss
Pat Hughes
October 30, 2022
Always remembered Mac, as he coached me for the Huskies. Which little did I know, set me on a magical journey. EHS, Boston University and 10 seasons in the NFL. Thank you Mac, for laying the foundation. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Michael Hughes
October 30, 2022
I'm sure I'm not only one who has strong memories of Coach Mac. He influenced lives of many boys from Everett over course of many years. And provide life long lessons. Condolences to his family.
Mike Hughes
Marty Gabriella
October 30, 2022
Ann,
Sorry about the loss of your Dad. He looked out for and gave chances to so many people. The opportunity he gave me at the Sheriff's Office was life changing for my family. He was a good man with a huge heart and will be missed by many. Thinking of you in this time of great loss.
October 30, 2022
My deepest sympathy.
We played BB together, and went to BC
together, and recall many fine times in long years passed.
Al Hyland
Michael O'Donnell
October 30, 2022
In addition to being a great guy, and fun to be around, John helped more people than anybody I know. He was my Uncle, and I still can't believe he is gone. In the normal course of human interaction, people help each other out in many ways, but with John he would do things for people than would change their lives for the better, either through a job or getting them out of life altering trouble. I can't even count the people who have come up to me over the years and said, "if it wasn't for your uncle..." You can fill in the blank, but it was always positive. And he expected nothing in return, and often downplayed his contribution. The great quote attributed to both Malcolm Forbes and Goeth comes to mind, that you can always "judge the character of a man by how he treats those who can do nothing for him or to him." I remember the last time I saw him.It was a few months ago, and I was driving down Route 1 with my dog, and decided to stop by Panera, so that he could meet my dog. I pulled up out front and saw him sitting at his usual table. When I went in to get him, his smile lit up the room when he saw me, like it always did. We went outside and hung out with my dog for about 15 minutes and then said goodbye. Little did I know it would be the last time I would see him. We can all hope to leave the world as much of a better place as he did.
Jane Obrien
October 30, 2022
Bob and I lived next door to Jack and Niki after purchasing our first house. 38 years and many neighbors since they continue to be the Stars of our life. To this day we make the Niki Mcgonagle spaghetti sauce..now being handed down a generation. Godspeed Jack, we have no doubt you have Niki and Kathleen back in your arms.
Jimmy considine
October 30, 2022
Sincerely sorry to hear of John´s passing. He helped so many people, as a probation office at Cambridge District Court then as Sheriff of Middlesex County. He was also a proud member of the Charlestown Town Team of the Boston Park League. Rest In Peace my friend.
Donna Howes
October 30, 2022
Dear Ann, Shaun, and family,
Thinking about you at this very sad time. I was an employee of Sheriff McGonigle's Sheriff's Department (the name at the time). For the past 30 years, I have seen sheriffs come and go and as so many employees would agree there was NEVER another Sheriff McGonigle. He was a very personable man and always had time to talk to his employees and inmates whether the situation at concern was good or bad. He made working at a correctional facility likable and at times even fun. As he has been and now will be missed by so many of his employees at the Middlesex Sheriff's Department. Sadly, Donna Howes
Tony Gonnella
October 30, 2022
Ann, so sorry to hear your dad passed, what a great person to be around, I always enjoyed the time I spent with John, just wanted you to know I am thinking about you family, rest in peace my friend
Michael Sullivan
October 30, 2022
To the McGonigle Family:
Please accept my deepest sympathies. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Michael Sullivan
Bob Novello
October 29, 2022
RIP John, thanks for all you did for me Sheriff!
Donna Howes
October 29, 2022
Dear Ann, Shaun, and family,
Thinking of you during this very sad time. Sheriff McGonigle was one of the kindest individuals I have ever met. As an employee when he served as "the sheriff" he would always make time to be so personable to his staff and inmates that you could talk to him about anything, and he was always there to help you make things better. As SO many of the sheriff's employees have stated throughout the years the Sheriff's Department (at the time) was never the same once the sheriff had left. He made working in a correctional facility very likable. I have not met a sheriff/man and am willing to say I know never will of all his caring characteristics.
Sadly,
Donna Howes
Joe Lynch
October 29, 2022
Rest In Peace Sir.
Always a smile, a laugh, and story about Malin.
My condolences to the family
Joe Lynch
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