John P. Foley

Foley, John P. of Weymouth, formerly of Chicago, passed away surrounded by his loving family on October 6, 2023. He was 84.

On December 14, 1938, John Foley was born to Mary and Frank Foley in Chicago, Illinois, their second child of nine. First, he attended school in Chicago, but since he was such a rascal, his parents enrolled him in at St. John’s Seminary in Silver Creek, New York, nestled on the shores of Lake Erie, some 500 miles away from his hometown of Chicago. It was at St. John’s Seminary where his faith grew, but he did not become a priest. Instead, in 1960, he chose a different path and joined the military, where he honed his skills as a sharpshooter.

It was during a Christmas Dance for the soldiers stationed in Hull, Massachusetts that he had a chance encounter with Patricia Guinessy. Their love story unfolded, and they were united in marriage in October 1963. Soon after, they welcomed their children, Shawn and Maureen, into their lives.

For the next 59 years, John and Patricia made their home on 11 Elm Street in South Weymouth, Massachusetts. He worked first as a store manager for Howard Johnsons and later as a supervisor for AT&T in the operator services department. In his professional life, as in his personal life, he exhibited unwavering dedication and commitment.

John found joy in the simple pleasures of life: teaching his children to play tennis, planting perennial bulbs, growing a vegetable garden, hiking regularly at Blue Hills, sledding with his children, and overfeeding his dogs. John always had dogs in his life: Puddles, Shannahan, Gus, Barney, and Grover to name a few.

John and Patricia visited Shawn in New York City for over 30 years. Both were always up for theater, new restaurants and concerts.  They helped Shawn and Damon buy their brownstone in Brooklyn.

Just as he was a loving father, John was a loving grandfather to Maureen’s three children: Seamus, Rosie, and Liam. John spent countless hours with his grandchildren as he brought them to and from school, hosted numerous weekend sleepovers, and never failed to tell a tall tale.

During the challenging years when his wife Patricia suffered from dementia, he displayed remarkable dedication and love, caring for her with unwavering devotion. He took her on daily drives to Nantasket Beach, creating moments of solace and connection in the midst of hardship.

He was a devout Catholic throughout his life, always eager to share his faith with friends and family. His spiritual connection was strengthened by attending Mass at the Cathedral and enjoying Sunday dinners that followed, for these moments allowed him to be close to his beloved family.

As he approached the end of his earthly journey, his parting message to his family was simple but profound: “Keep Your Faith.” This statement encapsulated his lifelong values and beliefs, which he held dear and shared with all those he loved.

John’s life was a testament to faith, love, and resilience. He leaves behind a legacy of devotion and a spirit that inspires.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to greet the family during the visiting hours on Thursday 9:45-10:45 AM  in the McDonald Keohane Funeral Home SOUTH WEYMOUTH at 809 Main Street (Rte 18 opp. So. Shore Hospital). A Celebration of Life Service will be held in the funeral home at 10:45 AM on Thursday prior to the Funeral Mass in Cathedral of the Holy Cross,  at 11:30 AM. Cremation will follow.