A memorial service will take place at Grace Episcopal Church, 422 County St. in New Bedford, at 11:30 AM on Friday August 26 for the late John F Linehan who died in New Bedford on August 16 at age 94. Parking will be at the Wamsutta Club.
Husband of the late Helen (Danuser) Linehan, he was born in Lewiston, Maine, son of the late Michael F. and Laura (Marcoux) Linehan. He is survived by sons John F. Jr. of California and Michael F. (and his wife Martha) of Natick, grandsons Matthew (and his wife Heather) of New York, and Mark (and his wife Amanda) of Malden, as well as great-grandchildren Maceo, Louisa, Georgia and Cedric. He was also the father of the late Joan O'Neill (husband Joseph T. of Florida). He was predeceased by his siblings: Irene Sutton, Doris Laverdiere and Louise McKillop.
He graduated from Lewiston High School in 1939 as a member of the National Honor Society. He also attended the US Naval Academy for two years. He then served in World War II in Europe as a U.S. Army paratrooper 1st Lt.. Postwar, he served as an Army pilot in Korea. Following active duty, John served three years as an Infantry Captain in the Maine National Guard, and graduated from Bates College Class of 1951.
In 1951, he moved to Fairhaven to become General Manager of the New Bedford Seafood Producers Association, then spent two years in Korea as a Fisheries Advisor for USAID. John then returned to New Bedford and became the first Director of Harbor Development for the city. Subsequently, he served as Operations Manager of Frionor Corp., VP and General Manager of Maritime Terminal Inc., and then for twelve years was Industry Liaison Officer for the National Marine Fisheries Service of NOAA. During his career, he was involved in numerous fisheries organizations and conferences on regional, national and international levels.
John was an active member of Grace Episcopal Church, serving on the Vestry, Finance Committee, and as Senior Warden. He also served on the Board of Trustees of Fairhaven Savings Bank, and the Boards of Directors of Citizens Bank of MA, the United Way of Greater New Bedford, and the Kiwanis Club. He was a member of the New Bedford Election Commission until 2005. John was a long time member and Past President of the New Bedford Port Society, and had been an active member of Kiwanis and the Men's Luncheon Club.
His burial was private in Pine Grove Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Grace Church Restoration Fund would be appreciated. Arrangements are with the Wilson Chapel, 479 County Street, New Bedford. www.wilsonchapel.net