John E. Coney Jr.

COLUMBIA, S.C. – John E. Coney, Jr., 82, peacefully passed away November 17, 2018. He was born January 27, 1936 in Bangor, Maine, son of John and Sadye McClay Coney. Upon graduation from Cranwell Prep 1955 and Boston College 1959, John enlisted in the Army and Army reserves. In 1960, he joined his father in business at the Bangor Wholesale Drug Company. After purchase of Cook Everett & Pennell Portland in 1975, John moved the family to Scarborough to operate the new acquisition. During his business years, John was a natural salesman and always on the cutting edge of new programs for his customers. Having survived cancer in 2002, he became very active in community work. His service included Rotary Club Bangor, serving as Board of Directors' member of National Wholesale Drug Assn. and later a long time active board member for Clyde Bailey Center, Raymond and Irish American Club Portland. In 2013, John was honored as Irish Person of the Year for his years of service. To be closer to their daughter and husband, granddogs, and favorite lizard, Neelix, John and Stephanie moved from Windham to Columbia, SC.Being an avid reader, John always had book in hand and classical music playing. His smile could light up a room, and his boisterous laugh was unforgettable. He had an innate ability to make friends wherever he went and left impressions from Maine to Florida. A fun loving great man will sadly be missed. John is survived by his wife of 52 years, Stephanie Coughlin Coney, daughter, Christa McHugh and husband, Bryan, step granddaughter, Heather McHugh of Conn., sister, Priscilla Quinn and husband, Bill of Bangor, and several nieces and nephews. John was predeceased by his parents and sister, Carol Needham.

A celebration memorial will be held Dec. 8, at Dimillos Restaurant, Portland, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Memory gifts may be made to Milestone Recovery Foundation Portland, Maine.