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BORN
1928
DIED
2021
John Moylan Obituary
March 16, 1928 - February 4, 2021
John Joseph Moylan, family man, Irishman and Labor Leader passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 4, 2021
John was devoted to his family and his spirit is carried on by his beloved wife of 65 years, Phyllis, "The Flower of the Flock"; seven children; Maura, Kevin (Nancie), Michael (Suzie), Brendan (Jessica), Patricia (Tim), Teresa (Brad), and Eileen (Gavin); His 18 Grandchildren and 19 Great Grandchildren, his sisters; Josephine Healy and Philly Quill as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins across American and Ireland.
He was blessed with a long, healthy, and happy life! John was born the first boy after six girls on March 16, 1928 in Nenagh, Co Tipperary, Ireland, to Bridget and John Joe Moylan. He believed his love and respect for women started there. Eventually there would be 12 children and he loved them all. His home house and farm, Rathnaleen, holds so many special memories for John. He returned home to visit his family there as often as he could.
A native of Nenagh, he immigrated first to Canada where John soon started his career as a Plasterer in Toronto in 1950 and brought those skills with him to San Francisco and joined the Plasterers Union where he would eventually become Business Manager until his retirement in 1992. He was a proud 70-year member of the Golden Gate Lodge of Plasterer's and Shophand's Local 66.
John loved his adopted city of San Francisco and was a pillar in the Irish community and founding member and builder of the United Irish Cultural Center. He was an amazing storyteller and the keeper of Moylan folklore. He always had an open door to those in need and remained a steadfast link to Irish Immigrants.
He was a proud Democrat and held leadership roles in Public & Community Service programs including:
Member, Board of Directors, Golden Gate Bridge & Transportation District, 1997 - 2001 and 2005 - 2021, Serving as President of the Board of Directors for one term. He was thrilled to be recently reappointed by Mayor London Breed.
Past Member, SF Human Rights Commission
Past Member, SF Recreation and Parks Commission
Former Advisor, California Air Pollution Control Board
Past President, American-Irish Alliance
Founding Co-Chairman, San Francisco-Cork City, Sister City Committee
Grand Marshall, SF St Patrick's Day Parade, 1993
John was awarded Certificates of Honor and Appreciation including:
The John Henning Institute Award, "For the Dignity of Work and Workers" By St Mary's College, Moraga
"John J Moylan Day" from San Francisco (6+ times) and San Rafael
Special Honors, American Ireland Fund
Certificate of Outstanding and Dedicated Service to the Trade Union Movement and Irish Community, US House of Representative
Certificate of Exemplary Record Leadership & Community Service, California State Senate
A private mass and burial for the immediate family is scheduled for Monday, February 8th. You can join the live stream of the mass at 11:00 am by going to this link - https://www.stcecilia.com/78 A celebration of his life will be held when COVID restrictions have lifted. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made in John's name to Catholic Charities, Alzheimer's Day Program, 1555 39th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94122
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Moylan
Peter Quirke
January 31, 2023
RIP John fond memories
Freda Purcell
February 11, 2021
John was a very welcoming, kind, gentle and a pure gentleman. He never forgot where he came from and loved to talk about Ireland and especially his home place in Tipperary. He cared do much for his dear wife and made sure she came first. I met John and his dear wife on a few occasions when I visited SF from Kerry Ireland. Unfortunately I didn't get to meet them on my last visit last March due to Covid. He had planned with Sheila that we would go out for lunch but sadly I didn't get to meet himself or Philis due to covid.
May his gentle soul rest in peace.
JOHN FLYNN
February 10, 2021
The man always meant a lot to me, him and my Dad, another Tipp man were close since when.. Grew up around the Moylan crew and I knew when the head tilted abit it was time to pay attention. I truly admired this man just for being John Moylan, that was enough for me.
I'm sure theres a 25 game going on already with the bunch of em.
John Flynn
Jim Mastin
February 10, 2021
I’ve only known John over the past two years while serving with him on the Golden Gate Bridge Board, but I quickly learned to appreciate his wisdom, kindness and wit. He will be deeply missed by all who’s lives he touched in so many ways. Thank you for being there, John.
Peter Quirke
February 10, 2021
Condolences to the Moylan family John was a great ambassador for Ireland and San Francisco fond memories
Peter & Trish & family
John Walsh and Family
February 9, 2021
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Enda Walsh
February 9, 2021
Heartfelt Sympathy - Phyllis and all our San Francisco relations at this sad time.John had a warm personality, with a great sense of humour.
Happy memories of his visits to our family home in Tyone over the many years and especially our meeting at the 40th Anniversary of Seamus Priesthood Ordination in Minnesota in 2006.
The funeral Mass on Monday was beautiful and well done all with the Eulogies.Our Family were happy that Seamus was able to be present and give the sermon - in which we all back home felt proud.
John, May choirs of Angels now welcome you home.
The Walsh Family,Tyone,Nenagh.
Liam, Seamus, Frankie, Enda, Sr.Claire, Mary, Harry.
Photo -from left, Harry,Seamus,John,Frankie,Enda,Liam 2006
Norene Sheehan
February 8, 2021
On behalf of the San Francisco Cork Sister City Committee, we send our sincerest condolences to the Moylan Family. John was one of our Founders so held in very high esteem by all on the board. Sincerely, Norene Sheehan, Co-Chair, SFSCC.
Rory and Bridget Brislane
February 8, 2021
Phyllis, Mike, Kevin Brendan, Maura, Trish, Terry and Eileen,
In the journey of life some people leave a mark so deep,it becomes hard to forget them. To us uncle John is one of those people. We will miss him, his visits to Ireland , our visits to San francisco but most of all his phonecalls.
May he rest in peace
Ar dheis De go raibh a anam.
Karen McDonald and James Burke
February 8, 2021
Our deepest condolences to Phyllis and the Moylan Family. A great friend to my parents, Joe and Peggy, and such a large presence in the Irish American community in San Francisco. He will be greatly missed.
Sincerely,
Karen and James Burke
Joe and Peggy McDonald
Cathal Doyle
February 8, 2021
Uncle John was such a good, generous person who made such a difference to so many people in his family and community. I was treated to John and Phyllis's legendary hospitality in San Francisco more than once and I'm forever grateful. In addition to his kindness, we will all miss his fantastic sense of humour. Deepest sympathies to Phyllis and all the family.
Bernadette O'Farrell
February 8, 2021
To all the Moylan family. John and Phyllis played such a big part in my life for many years when I moved to San Francisco from Ireland, and I will never forget, nor could I ever repay, John's kindness to me and to my daughter. I an honoured to have known him. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam. Bernadette and Jessica
Helena Darcy
February 8, 2021
My sincere condolences to Phyllis and all the extended Moylan family. John was a true gentleman. He looked after myself and friends in San Francisco in 2008. He showed us what San Francisco had to offer. He loved Nenagh and was a regular visitor in my home house in Grange. John will be sadly missed. May he rest in peace.
Dayna McEachern
February 8, 2021
My heart is heavy knowing our world is without Grandpa John. His spirit will of course live on through all who loved and were blessed to have known him. With so much love to all of you. Greg and Dayna McEachern
Mary Darcy
February 8, 2021
Deepest sympathy to Phyllis and all the family on the sad death of John. A wonderful Nenagh man who never forgot the ‘home place’. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him
Mary Darcy
February 8, 2021
I send my sincerest sympathies to Phyllis and all the Moylans of San Francisco on the passing of John. Though this may be a link lost to past times he remains a part of Nenagh heritage. I am sure there will be reception for him like no other at the Golden Gates.
Ann Scroope, Courtmacsherry Co. Cork. Cousin
Kevin Sullivan
February 7, 2021
The San Francisco Fryer's Club is sending sincere condolences to the Moylan Family. John was a long time member of the Fryer's Club and he will be missed by all.
Kevin Sullivan
February 7, 2021
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Michael Darcy
February 7, 2021
Sincere sympathy to Phylis and all the Moylan family on the death of John RIP John was a lovely gentleman l always looked forward to meeting him on his frequent visits to Rathnaleen Nenagh
Seán Breathnach
February 7, 2021
With sincere sympathy to all the Moylans, very sorry for the loss of your dad. It was always lovely to see both John and Phyllis on their trips back to Ireland.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.
From Kathleen, Colm and Seán Breathnach, Waterford.
John and Meta Darcy & family
February 7, 2021
Sincere condolences to Phyllis, Philly Josephine and all the Moylan family on the death of John. He was a proud Nenagh and Tipperary man who never forgot his roots. He always enjoyed tracing his family history on his many visits to Grange which we always enjoyed. We will miss his many phone calls, especially after a Tipp hurling match .
Ní bheidh a leithéid ann arís.
Gerry Deane
February 7, 2021
My sincere condolences to Phyllis, Mike and all the extended Moylan family on the passing of John.
John gave me my employment when I came to San Francisco in 1985 which I never have forgotten.
A true Gentleman.
Gerry Deane
Naas, Kildare
Dan Ryan
February 7, 2021
To Phyllis and all the many 28th Ave Moylans from one of the many 28th Ave. Ryans. My first memory of John was him helping my dad, Paul, plaster the kitchen walls of our 28th Ave house in the late 50s or early 60s. Of course the Irish connection stayed for many years as our parents remained friends through Parkside, St. Cecilia, Sacred Heart HS connections. John was always a delight to meet over the years. Wishing you all good memories.
Ann Hicks
February 7, 2021
Dear Moylan family,
We are so saddened to hear of the loss of your dear husband and father, John. We McLaughlins have many fond memories of our summers in Sonoma. We loved spending time at your lively and loving house with the pool(!) filled with laughter and fun. Please know you are all in our thoughts and prayers. Love from the McLaughlin kids. Ann Marie, Peter, Marguerite, Danny and Angela ( We lost our dear Angela in 2017)
John and Josie Mackey & family. Bawn, Nenagh
February 7, 2021
Sincere sympathy to Aunts Phyllis, Philly, Josie, Maura and John's family on the sad loss of John, a wonderful husband, brother, brother in law and dad. We have very fond memories of his many visits to Nenagh and the great love he had for Rathnaleen. May his gentle soul rest in peace.
Kathleen, Raymond OMeara and kids
February 7, 2021
To Phyllis and all Moylan family, aunty Josie, aunty Philly, Maura sincere sympathy on uncle Johns passing. He will always be remembered in Nenagh as a remarkable man. Even though America was his home he never ever forgot his roots, family and old friends. He will be dearly missed. Xxxxx
Josephine, Seamus Doyle and family
February 7, 2021
Sincere condolences to Aunty Phyllis, Josie, Philly, Maura and all my cousins on the sad passing of Uncle John. May he rest in peace.
Noeleen John and Max Moohan
February 7, 2021
My heart bleeds for all the Moylan’s as your patriarch has passed. Grieve a little but celebrate his life a lot. He was an amazing man to family community country and his Irish roots. We will miss him so much. God bless Phyllis and the whole Moylan clan. May he Rest In Peace.
Bradley and Judy Davis
February 7, 2021
To all the Moylan family
You should be so proud. John was the Matriarch to his family and a pillar to his community. Please accept our Thoughts and Prayers and our deepest sympathy. RIP John
Bradley and Judy Davis
Jim and Valerie Mackey
February 7, 2021
Our sincere condolences to Phyllis, Auntie Josie, Auntie Philly, Maura and all the Moylan family on the sad passing of Uncle John. We have great memories of our lovely holiday in San Francisco where he looked after us so well. May he rest in peace.
Bid Lewis
February 7, 2021
Deeply sorry to hear of the death of John, he was a wonderful friend to both my husband and me. I’ll miss his telephone calls updating me on American politics.
Michael Mackey
February 7, 2021
Dear uncil John it is such a pity we are unable to attand your Funeral in San Francisco.To celebrate your great life.Meeting people and sharing some great storeys of your great life.Having a few beers in Moylans (on your tab of cource )Fair play you stayed around to see Trump vacate office and to see another Great Irish decendant Joe Biden become the 46 th president of the United States
I hope you didnt delay St Peter to long going through the Gates of heaven.You are in a great place with your siblins.My condolences to Phyllis and family -Philly and Josie. John you were a Legend
Michael Rathnaleen.
Marit Ingrid Sivertsen
February 6, 2021
How blessed you and your family to have had such an amazing, outstanding human being as your father, Brendan~! The LIGHT returns back to The Heavens and will watch over you.
carrie Birkel
February 6, 2021
I am so deeply sorry for your loss. Your Father was a pillar in the community who was ahead of his time. Loved and respected by all that knew him.
Lee and Joanie Boyajian
February 6, 2021
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends. God bless you and your family.
George Fogarty
February 6, 2021
To the Moylan family, I'm sorry to read of the loss of your dad, it sounds like he had a wonderful life. I will keep him and your families in my prayers.
Mike Moylan
February 6, 2021
Condolences to the San Francisco Moylan family from the ‘other’ Moylan family.
John met my dad, John, at a Catholic Church play in Redwood City. He just had to meet another John Moylan so he wandered back stage. And they never met again until my dad just had to invest in Moylan’s brewpub 40 years later!
When I lived in SF I would often bump into John at the Olympic Club. We would talk family trees and he felt we were from the Galway ‘tribe’ as he was from the Cork ‘tribe’. Enjoyed the talk with John and Phyllis.
And of course myself, my brothers, and our two children will forever remember John working his magic to get us tours to the top of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Will raise a pint of Guinness to him now and on our next visit to Moylans.
Cheers
Mike and Tina Moylan
Tina Breen Moylan
February 6, 2021
John was a Beacon to anyone in a room in which he was present, often surrounded by a group of people who soon became your friends too. He had such wonderful stories and we shared stories of his beloved children as well as Ireland. He spread the “angel dust” to everyone he met. What a treasure was he.
Mike and Tina Moylan
Mike
Brigid Quill and family ( Limerick)
February 6, 2021
Sort to hear of uncle John’s passing. Condolences to Phyllis and family. May he rest in peace.
Phil Quill (Nenagh)
February 6, 2021
In loving memory of a wonderful and kind brother. Condolences to Phyllis and family. May the years of happy memories be a comfort to you all. May his gentle soul rest in peace.
Margaret Dillon
February 6, 2021
God Bless you John and thank you for the hours of stories and laughs. I will miss you something awful. A good dear friend has left this world a better place for all who knew him and as the song goes, I’m Jealous of the Angels tonight. Be at Peace.
Brendan Doyle
February 6, 2021
So sorry to hear of Uncle John's passing - wonderful memories of our month-long stay with John & Phyllis in 1998. Such a warm and generous welcome we received from both. John persisted in training our barely talking 10-month-old daughter, Róisín to repeat "Up Tipp" almost daily....a proud Irishman and even prouder Tipp man - we will miss him dearly.
Condolences to all the Moylan Family everywhere.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.
From Brendan, Clodagh, Róisín, Cian and Brian Doyle.
Heinz Scheuenstuhl
February 6, 2021
My father, Heinz (Henry) Scheuenstuhl was proud to nominate John as Union Shop Steward oh so many years ago. He fondly remembers the many Union dinners he attended where John was present. John faithfully represented his Union members as long as he was in office.
Christina Coleman
February 6, 2021
Proud to have him as my Nenagh cousin.
Virginia O’Dowd and Ronan Dodd
February 6, 2021
Sincere sympathy to Phyllis and the extended Moylan family in San Francisco and here in Ireland . John was a great friend to us all. A wonderful ambassador for Nenagh and San Francisco. He never forgot his roots . We will miss his phone calls and visits to Nenagh. May he Rest In Peace.
Tony and Maria The Quill
February 6, 2021
So sorry to hear of Uncle Johns passing condolences to Phyllis and all our cousins also to Aunty Josie Aunty Philly and Maura. We have great memories of his visits to Nenagh he was a special person. May he rest in peace.
Bríd Mackey
February 6, 2021
My deepest sympathies to Auntie Phyllis, cousins, Auntie Philly & Auntie Josie on the passing of Uncle John. I've so many fond memories of all my visits to San Francisco & always met up with Uncle John & Auntie Phyllis. The biggest highlight of all my trips was Uncle John taking me up to the top of the Golden Gate Bridge - what an experience & a view. You will be missed so much - rest in peace
Roisin , Chatlie, Ruairi, Donnacha and Finn
February 6, 2021
A great man, a lovely Uncle, we have wonderful memories of your visits back home.RIP
Terry (Bernie) Hinchcliff
February 6, 2021
Uncle John was the best!
Eamonn Doyle
February 6, 2021
To John, thank you for the many years of help, advice and above all your invaluable friendship. Deepest condolences to Aunt Phyllis, Eileen, Brendan, Kevin, Maura, Mike, Trish and Terry.
Ní fheichimid a leithéid arís.
Eamonn, Lisa, Siobhra, Liam and Culann
Christian Hansen
February 6, 2021
Sending my love to the entire family during this difficult time. The spirit of John continues onward with all of you! God Bless.
Marita & Pat and Family , Nenagh.
February 6, 2021
Sincere Condolences and Sympathy to Aunt Phyllis, & all my cousins , to John’s beloved grandchildren, to his sister Aunt Josephine and to his sister in law Maura . We are deeply saddened by John’s passing . An exceptional and true Gentleman. May he Rest in Peace . Ar dheis de go raibh a anam.
Tom Connolly
February 6, 2021
A great man to get the job done . Never looked for any accolades . Will be missed
Dermot and Emer O’Mahoney
February 6, 2021
We knew John through the Twinning with Cork Ireland.We last met John when visiting San Francisco with the Port Of Cork and enjoyed both him and his wife’s company at dinner.John kindly arranged a visit to the top of the Golden Gate Bridge for Emer and myself.He was a gentleman and a proud native of Tipperary.R.I.P.
Donal and Ester Mackey
February 6, 2021
To Auntie Phyllis and all the Moylan family, we are so sorry to hear about Uncle John. We all have so many fond and treasured memories of his frequent visits to his 'home' and family in Ireland. He was such a blessing and a help to so many fellow Irish who went to America at a time of great need. He leaves such a huge legacy, especially his family, the Moylan clan of San Francisco of whom he was so proud. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. We will be thinking of you, especially over the next few difficult days, and may you know that the Moylan clan in Ireland and around the world will be with you. May Uncle John rest in peace
BERNADETTE MORAN
February 6, 2021
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Niall Doyle
February 6, 2021
So sad to hear of John’s passing, but glad and proud to have known him. A truly great human being. Condolences to all the Moylans from our family in Bray and from my Dad , Jim , John’s Brother-in Law in Waterford.
John O’Hagan
February 5, 2021
Astounded by his achievements; his love for his huge family always present, his story telling; his love for The ol Country . I know I never visited San Francisco but when ever I met him in Ireland and his welcoming persona I felt honoured by his council and the way he made everyone welcome. I will miss him dearly. Celebrate his life and Bless you all xxx
John O’Hagan (No 5 kid of Máire & Harry) Ivana, Michael & Laura. Maidstone, Kent. UK
Another one who emigrated
Gerry & Meg Callanan
February 5, 2021
Condolences to all the Moylan family. Our thoughts are with you.
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