John Leo Munroe

SALEM - Mr. John Leo Munroe, born on March 4th, 1944, was 81 years old when he passed away on December 30th, 2025, while surrounded by his loving family. He lived a life devoted to his family, his friends, his country, and the community he cared for deeply.

John was born in Beverly, MA and was raised by his parents, Angus and Gertrude in Gloucester, MA. He spent the majority of his life in Salem, MA with his family.

As a veteran of the United States Air Force, John served his country with honor and integrity. Following his military service, John became a member of Local 172, the Professional Firefighters of Salem, Massachusetts, where he rose from the rank of private to one of the highest levels achievable as the Deputy Chief of the department over the course of his 36 year career. John was well liked and respected not only among his peers, but throughout the community.

When John was not at the fire station, he enjoyed woodworking, tending to the garden around his house, and fishing when he had the chance. He was very skilled with his hands and built some truly beautiful pieces of furniture for his family. His flowers and landscaping around their small cape were inspiring and welcoming. Fishing? Well, let’s just say that no matter how good he was, his youngest son Michael always seemed to catch the biggest fish!

The greatest joy in John’s life, though, was his family. He was a devoted father to his three sons, John, Keith, and Michael, and a loving husband to his wife, Alice. It is said that the greatest gift a father can give to his children, is to show them how much he loves their mother. And he showed that every day. His son John held a special place in his heart. “Little Johnnie” had a bond with his father that was unique, unwavering, and unbreakable. Johnnie loved his Creature Feature Sunday mornings, his family, his Diet Coke, and boy did he love his dad.

John is pre-deceased by his oldest son John Munroe. He is survived by his wife Alice, his older son, Keith and his wife, Jennifer, along with their sons, Zachary and Corey, his youngest son, Michael, along with his wife, Lauren and their sons, Austin and Ian, his sister, Barbara Hanson and his brother, Richard, and numerous nieces and nephews.

ARRANGEMENTS: Relatives and friends are invited to attend John’s visitation which will be held at O’Donnell Cremations – Funerals –Celebrations, 84 Washington Square, (at Salem Common) SALEM on Friday, January 9th from 4 to 7 P.M. All other services are private. In lieu of flowers, donations in John’s memory may be made to a charity of your choice. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com.