John Lonergan, 71

Medford Civic Leader Passes Away

Story Updated 1:20PM Friday, April 24, 2009

– Allison Goldsberry

Medford civic leader John Lonergan died quietly in his sleep Monday night, according to sources.

Lonergan, a business owner, former Citizen of the Year, and immediate past president of the Medford Historical Society, was 71.

His cause of death is unclear at this time.  News of his death has spread shock throughout Medford.

School Committee member Robert E. Skerry, Jr. has known Lonergan for decades. He worked on Lonergan’s state representative campaign in 1966 when he was a high school student.

“He was like a brother to me…John was the type of guy who would do anything for his friends,family, neighbors or anyone in the Parish…There are truly not many people that have John’s heart of gold and always did a good deed every day that he was on earth,” said Skerry.

“John was proud of his family and work in helping out those less fortunate and never wanted to be recognized publicly for the good he brought to Medford and Falmouth….. Always with a smile and extending a helping hand! John was a true friend…I will miss him,” said Skerry in an email.

Skerry said Lonergan’s death caught him by surprise, as only yesterday he was speaking with him about plans for the upcoming fall at Lonergan’s “second home,” the social center at St. Joseph’s Church.

“John was a truly beautiful guy. I had the honor of working with him at the Medford Historical Society for over four years. In that time, he was witty, proud of the city, authentic in his passion for others, and always quick to deflect credit when credit was truly his. This is indeed a huge loss for a lot of people. My sincere condolences go out to his many close friends and to Judy, his most marvelous wife and life partner,” said Jim Kiely.

The Lonergans have managed their insurance and real estate company for three generations, according to their company website.   The insurance company was founded in 1919 and the family began their real estate business in 1978.

Lonergan has been married to his wife, Judy, for over forty years.  They have three children.

The Lonergans have been very active in the community for many years.  Their company has been a major sponsor of the annual Medford Jingle Bell Festival for over a decade.  John’s wife Judy has served as the chair of the event.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend visiting hours at St.Joseph Church, 118 High St., Medford, on Friday, April 24th from 4-8 PM. The funeral is Saturday, April 25th at St. Joseph’s at noon followed by interment in Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John’s memory to the St. Joseph School, 132 High St., Medford, MA 02155 or the Medford Historical Society, 10 Governors Ave., Medford, MA 02155.