John J. Falvey of Hingham, Mass., formerly of Darien as well as Virginia Beach, Va. and Acton, Mass., died peacefully in his home on March 28 at age 92 with his family at his bedside.
John Falvey\’s funeral is scheduled for April 1; his wake, the day after.
He was born Nov. 3, 1923 to Eileen O’Connor Falvey and Patrick Falvey of Grafton, Mass. John served as a Navy officer in the Pacific during World War II, and, at age 22, was honorably discharged as commanding officer of his ship, LSM 269, in May 1946.
Later, on the GI Bill, he earned a bachelor of science degree from Holy Cross College and a Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of Notre Dame.
He began his 33-year career as a research chemist at American Cyanamid in Stamford and subsequently worked for Foster Grant as well as American Hoechst in Leominster, Mass. and Chesapeake, Va.
John was a parishioner of St. John Roman Catholic Church in Darien, St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church in Acton, Mass., and St. Gregory’s in Virginia Beach, Va., where he served for many years as lector.
In addition to being an avid gardener and skillful carpenter, John was also active in the Notre Dame Club of SE Virginia, enjoying many club trips back to his alma mater for football games.
A devoted father, he coached Little League and served as a scout leader for his sons. As the son of Irish immigrants, John instilled in his children the importance of education and cultivating an inner life, often telling them “Get a good education; no one can take it from you.”
He also imparted to them his love of travel, taking them on many camping trips across the U.S. and Canada. In retirement he was able to join his children in Paris, Geneva, and Brussels, where some of them were studying or working.
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— an obituary from O’Connor Brothers Funeral Home
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John leaves behind his devoted wife of 64 years, the former Sheila Daley. They have seven children: Mary of Washington, DC, Patrick of Greenfield, Mass., Eileen and her husband Doug Taylor of Hingham, Mass., Jack and his wife Martha of Hingham, Mass., Mike and his wife Megan of Boston, Mass., Matthew of Worcester, Mass., and Jim and his wife Laura of Millersville, Md.; as well as 10 grandchildren and many loving nieces and nephews.
John is predeceased by his sister, Kathleen, of Grafton, Mass. He was grateful to his son Matthew and his many caregivers, whose attention and expert care helped him live his final years in dignity.
His funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m., Friday, April 1 in Christ the King Church, 1052 Pleasant St., Worcester, (please meet directly at church). Calling hours are Saturday, April 2 from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. in O’Connor Brothers Funeral Home, 592 Park Ave;, Worcester. Burial will follow in St. John’s Cemetery, Worcester.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Caring Across Generations. Checks may be made payable to “Bend the Arc” (write “Caring Across Generations” on the memo line and mail to 395 Hudson St., New York, NY 10014).