Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1933
DIED
2019
FUNERAL HOME
John Foley Obituary
He was born July 23, 1933, in New London, the son of Dennis and Mary O'Shea Foley. He attended local schools, including the former Bulkeley School, and graduated from New London High School in 1952. He served as a corpsman in the U.S. Coast Guard and then attended Mitchell College.
After graduating, he began a long career at The Day, where he held various positions, including reporter, city editor, columnist, assistant managing editor, and finally managing editor. He continued to write a weekly column as well as feature obituaries, which were very popular and captured a lot of local history, for many years following his retirement.
He married the former Judith Hildebrand May 25, 1963, in Norwich. She survives him. He is also survived by his children, John Foley and his wife, Karen; Michael Foley; and Mary Beth Foley Shea and her husband, Kevin; as well as his three grandchildren, Matthew, Lauren, and Katherine Shea, all of Waterford.
John was a member of many local organizations, including the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Polish American Veterans Club, and the American Legion. He was a past president and the last charter member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians. John was an avid reader, particularly of history, and enjoyed watching baseball, basketball, and football as well as movies with his family. He loved animals and owned many dogs and cats over the years. He was also especially fond of visiting Block Island with his wife.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 11, at St. Joseph Church, 149 Montauk Ave., New London. Burial will be private. There are no calling hours. The Thomas L. Neilan and Sons Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.
Donations in John's memory may be made to The Block Island Conservancy, P.O. Box 84, 234 Weldon's Way, Block Island, Rhode Island 02807, (401) 466-3111, biconservancy.org.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Foley
Sponsored by Thomas L. Neilan & Sons Funeral Home - New London.
3 Entries
PATRICK MURPHY
October 15, 2019
ON BEHALF OF THE MURPHY FAMILY OF NEWPORT, RI WITH TIES TO WATERFORD, CT AND VALENTIA ISLAND, KERRY,CONDOLENCES TO ALL THE FOLEYS ON THE DEATH OF ONE FINE GENTLEMAN. DUE TO ILLNESS, I RECEIVED THIS INFORMATION TODAY. BRIDIE LINICUS IS MY CONTACT. MAY GOD HOLD JOHN AND HIS FAMILY, BOTH LIVING AND DEAD, IN THE HALLOW OF HIS HAND.
Paul Nunes
October 13, 2019
I was so sad to hear of John`s passing, my condolences to the family. I know he will sorely missed.
KATHLEEN DEVOE
October 11, 2019
SENDING A MESSAGE TO TO YOUR SON JOHN, HE HAS LOST HIS DAD , MY DEEPEST SYMMPATHY TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY DR. FOLEY. YOU ARE ALL IN MY PRAYERS. SR. VERONICA K DEVOE
Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results
Make a Donation
in John Foley's name
Memorial Events
for John Foley
Funeral services provided by:
Thomas L. Neilan & Sons Funeral Home - New London12 Ocean Avenue, New London, CT 06320
How to support John's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor John Foley's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
