John J. McDonagh
McDonagh – John J., of Dorchester, formerly of Portarra, Moycullen, County Galway, Ireland, June 1, 2014. Beloved son of the late Matthew and Mary (Mulkerins) McDonagh. Brother of Marie Collins and Eileen Carr, both of Dorchester and the late Edward McDonough of Norwood, Matthew McDonagh of Braintree, Mary Keady and Margaret Queenan of England, Sarah Melia and Tim McDonagh of Ireland. John leaves numerous nieces, nephews and
godchildren throughout the world who are left to marvel at his extraordinary gifts of generosity, kindness and grace throughout their lives. A Mass of
Christian Burial will be celebrated in Saint Peter’s Church, 311 Bowdoin Street, Dorchester, Friday June 6 at 10:00 AM. Relatives and friends invited. Visiting hours at Dolan Funeral Home, 1140 Washington Street, DORCHESTER LOWER MILLS, Thursday 4-8 PM. Interment Saint Joseph Cemetery. Retired Mail Handler, US Postal Service from 1968-1992. In lieu of flowers, donations in John’s memory may be made to Healing and Restoration Service, P.O. Box 320310, West Roxbury, MA 02132 or St. Peter’s Church Memorial Fund, 278 Bowdoin St. Dorchester 02122.
Guestbook Entries
Dear Uncle Sean, You were always such a special person in my life. You were always there, living with my family in Chestnut Hill, since I was born. Of course, I loved the fact that you always gave me money to buy candy at the corner store, Mackies, on La Grange Street.
We moved to Norwood in 1960 (I think?) and you stayed in Boston. But we would pick you up at the Dedham Line on Sundays, and bring you home for dinner. You were always so very much loved and respected by all of my cousins.
This is a poem which I have shared about other loved ones… But also fits you, my special uncle:
“You can shed tears that he is gone,
Or, you can be happy because he lived.
You can close your eyes and pray that he will come back.
Or, you can open your eyes and see all that he has left.
Your heart can be empty because you can’t see him.
Or, you can be full of the love that you shared.
You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday,
Or, you can be happy for tomorrow, because of yesterday.
You can remember him, and only that he is gone.
Or, you can cherish his memory and let it live on.
You can cry and close your mind,
Be empty and turn your back,
OR, you can do what he would want:
Smile, open your eyes, love and go on.”
May his loved ones always remember and emulate his gentle spirit and love of God and family. Uncle Sean, you will be missed. but, I am comforted by knowing you were welcomed to Heaven by my Dad, Uncle Matty, and all the others. Love you so!
A fond farewell to my neighbor across the street (the “Ryans” at 71). We will miss your ever smiling face and kindness. Plus, you were our A+ security team and flower garden warden. Rest in peace.