John F. Feeney III, loving husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and friend to many, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family and friends on Sunday March 20,2022. Johnny fought a full-on battle with a rare cancer over the last few years, only succumbing to it these last few weeks.
John was predeceased by his two children Christina Mary in 2008, Jake (John IV) in 2021, and his brother Steven in 2014.
John is survived by his loving husband Paul Yates of Provincetown, his devoted mother Rita Feeney of Milton, his sisters Carol McGrath and husband Larry of Bridgewater and Donna McLaughlin and husband Peter of Milton. His sister-in-law Barbara Yates of Provincetown and brother-in-law Brian Yates of Raymond NH. His nieces and nephews, Steven and Lauren McGrath, Leah and Julia McLaughlin, Mark and Casey Yates, Gregg Yates, Ashley Yates, great-nephews Griffin and Gavin Yates and his great-niece Miley Yates also survive him.
Johnny’s infectious smile and contagious laugh is what most people will always remember him for. However, he was so much more. Johnny was a member of the Recovery Community, celebrating 20 years this past July. When Johnny’s children died unexpectedly, Johnny’s strength, courage, and healing during these terrible times served as a power of example for everyone. Johnny’s strong spirituality and belief that he would be united again with his children gave him peace and the courage to carry on despite his losses.
In July 2021, Johnny retired from the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority after many years of service. His most recently served as the Project Source Manager. He was also a proud member of the MOSES Union Unit 9. In August of 2021, after only a month of retirement Johnny received his secondary cancer diagnosis.
Johnny enjoyed many passions, especially health and fitness. In the winter of 2012, he joined the town-wide Provincetown Fitness Challenge resulting in a new lifestyle of exercise and healthy eating. He never looked back, and up to this past September could be found daily at the gym. He also attended Tower Pilates classes several days a week. He loved to bike ride and hike the many trails of the Cape Cod National Sea Shore.
Johnny loved to travel especially across the pond. In the last several years he visited Prague, Paris, Berlin, London, Dublin, Madrid, and Rome. In addition to travel, John’s creativity was endless! If he saw it on YouTube or Tik Tok he was going to try it! Over the course of the last few years, he caned chairs, made mirrors, Papier Mache whale tails and designed hanging light fixtures, to name just a few of his hobbies.
He was a frequent volunteer at Ruthie’s Thrift Store, which is a nonprofit that supports local social agencies. His dedication led him to being named Volunteer of the Year in 2021.
Seven years ago, Paul and John were able to purchase their dream retirement home in Provincetown. The house locally known as “Gracie House” was built in 1872 and the same family lived there for the first 143 years. The well-known landmark is located at the corner of Bradford and Cornwell Streets which is often considered the gateway to the town. To welcome visitors and townies alike, John would create seasonal décor such as his hand painted 7-foot life size Giraffe, 12-foot snow people, an independence eagle with a 15-foot wingspan holding an American flag, and a 20-foot rainbow arch. His yard décor would often make the local papers. He met countless visitors who would stop to photograph the house making him the unofficial town ambassador.
Johnny enjoyed life to the fullest and his legacy will live on through all who knew and loved him.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held Friday April 1st, 2022 at 5:00 pm at the Venezia Waterfront Ballroom, 20 Ericsson Street, Dorchester 02122; dinner will follow. On Saturday April 2nd, 2022, a 1:00 pm Service will be held at the Unitarian Universalist Meeting House, 236 Commercial Street, Provincetown. A Luncheon will follow.
John has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in his name to Ruthie’s Boutique, a nonprofit in Provincetown that support local social service agencies. Donation may be mailed to Ruthie’s Boutique, PO Box 474, Provincetown, Ma 02657.