John F Muldowney

John F. Muldowney, 70, passed away peacefully at home on September 5, 2024, in Hanson, MA after a long illness. Born on September 18, 1953, in Westfield, MA, before growing up in Boston, MA and then spending the last 41 years of his life as a resident of his adopted home town of Hanson, MA, raising his beautiful family along with several cherished family dogs. Although he spent the vast majority of his adult life in the suburbs, John never lost the gritty insight, toughness and understanding that was forged during his formative years growing up in Dorchester.
He graduated from Don Bosco Technical High School in Boston, MA, and later in life obtained a four-year degree at Eastern Nazarene College in Quincy, MA. John dedicated his career to the computer technology sector, working for notable companies like IBM and Dell-EMC, where he remained until his retirement. John was the recipient of many awards and accolades recognizing the exemplary work he performed in service to his clients, and more importantly was a beloved co-worker, known for his unmatched work ethic and dedication, pleasant demeanor, and the deep care and concern he showed towards of all his team members, regardless of job title, position or pedigree. His legacy in the industry is maintained by his son and son-in-law both of whom continue to work and excel in IT.
John is survived by his beloved bride of 46 years, MaryBeth (Mills) Muldowney, who provided endless care and comfort to John during his illness ensuring he remained home in the place he loved. John will be sadly missed by his children Sean Muldowney and his partner Courtney Robertson of Sharon, MA; Amy Muldowney and her husband David Nathan of Foxboro, MA; and Andrew Muldowney and his fiancée Sarah Johnson of Breckenridge, CO. His love extended to his three beautiful grandchildren, Jack Muldowney of Sharon, MA, and Paige and Laine Nathan of Foxboro, MA, who brought immense joy to his life. There was no question that in a life filled with many successes that far exceeded his wildest dreams, John would say that the by far the things he was most proud of in his life were the beautiful family he helped raise with MaryBeth, with each achievement or life accomplishment of his children, and later his grandchildren, causing his heart to swell.
John was cerebral and inquisitive, a consummate Renaissance man with diverse interests. No matter the subject, those lucky enough to know him were constantly amazed that he could engage in a conversation at a high level on any subject that came up, a tribute to his life-long drive to learn and educate himself, something that he worked hard to instill in his children. He was equally at home performing a complex repair on an expensive machine, working on his motorcycle or car, being buried in 1,000-page historical biography or pondering the vastness of space and unknown galaxies as an avid fan of science fiction, most notably Star Trek. Music was a source of great enjoyment to John, having attended many concerts with his friends during the hey-day of classic rock which served as some of his fondest memories, and he shared that love of music and concert going with his children and grandchildren.
Although he was reserved and stoic by nature, he demonstrated compassion to all those around him regardless of their position in life, was the first to laugh at the sometimes absurd nature of the human existence, and was always the first to volunteer his help to any family member, friend or co-worker in need. John, a decorated scout himself as a youth, spent many years as volunteer leader with his son Andrew's Boy Scout troop in Hanson.
Likely as a result of his meager upbringing, John truly appreciated all of the good things that he was blessed to have his in life, be they large and monumental like watching his children graduate from college, celebrating a milestone anniversary with his wife or a family vacation to a tropical locale, or the simple things like a great cup of coffee from Dunks, a delicious steak, a perfect summer evening by his pool or a hard fought victory by one his Boston sports teams. John lived his life in service to others and in gratitude for the many blessings provided to him and his family.
He is also survived by numerous siblings, nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends who were as dear to him as family, affectionately known with John as the "Three Amigos", Steve O'Brien of Lynn, MA and Richie Brelsford of Sanford, ME. John's family extends their incredible appreciation to the compassionate team of home health aides, Leah, Kayley and Abby, who provided outstanding care to John in the last year of his life, allowing him to proceed in death comfortably and with dignity.
John was predeceased by Mary "Ma" Muldowney, who raised him and instilled in him the virtues of strength, perseverance, and kindness, which he carried throughout his life. He was also predeceased by his mother-in-law Marie "Nana" Mills, who lived with John and his family for over 20 years, and always treated John like a son, and for whom John cared for selflessly in the latter years of Marie's life.
A funeral Mass will be held at St. Joseph the Worker Church (Holy Apostles Parish), One, on Saturday, October 12, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. A Celebration of Life will follow immediately thereafter where family and friends will be invited to gather to honor his memory.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in John's name to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, P.O. Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741, to support ongoing research and care initiatives for those affected by Parkinson's disease.