Keohane Funeral Home

John B. Lonergan of Weymouth, passed away unexpectedly March 13, 2017 at the age of 83.

Born in Quincy, John graduated from Weymouth High School in 1951 and continued on to Bridgewater State College.   Prior to attending college, he worked as the Weymouth Director of beaches. During that time the program went from less than 100 kids to over 2000 participants. The American Red Cross cited this as the largest learn-to-swim program on the East coast. John is pictured on the docks he helped design on page 99 of the Weymouth Images of America book. He continued to teach swimming, lifesaving, first aid and CPR for over 55 years.

After an honorable discharge from the US Army in 1964, he started teaching math in the Weymouth school system.  He taught for 36 years and happily retired in 1996 . Along with teaching he coached swimming at North Quincy, Weymouth and Westwood High schools for over 20 years. In addition he coached indoor and outdoor track in Weymouth for 10 years. After retiring he continued working as a High School and College Swim Official and Track&Field Official. He received several citations as Man of the year from various groups over his lifetime and was inducted into the Swim Coaches Association Hall of Fame.

For 70 years his time was spent with Boy Scout Troop 2 of Weymouth. “JL” took scouts on several camping trips visiting most of our National Parks and Canadian Provincial Parks. He was a long time member of the Appalachian Mountain Club, the New Hampshire 4000 footer Club and the New England 4000 footer club. He was a member of both the Elks and Kiwanis clubs. In his youth he loved to play basketball. More recently he stayed active in local bowling leagues. John had a quiet charm about him and was always ready with a joke or a long yarn to spin. He spent his entire life reaching out to assist others in any way he could.

Brother and best friend of the late William Lonergan, he leaves behind his Sister, Eleanor Verrington of Quincy. Beloved Uncle John, JL, coach and friend to many people, he will be especially missed by his family, Susan Donovan of Weymouth, Kathleen Marchese of Hanover, Marcia Merten of Hanover, Janice Donovan of Hanover, Judith Donovan of Holbrook, Debra Morris of Santa Clara CA, William  Lonergan of Chester NH, Tracey Lonergan of Penacook NH, Bruce Lonergan of Rockmart GA, Eric Lonergan of Dallas GA as well as many Great Nieces and Nephews.

Donations in memory of John Lonergan can be made to Weymouth Boy Scouts Troop 2 at 598 North St., Weymouth, MA 02189.

A celebration of his life will be held Saturday April 1st at the Weymouth Elks from 1-5 PM. Sympathy cards to the Lonergan Family at 706 Pleasant St., Weymouth, MA 02189.