Saugus – formerly of Wakefield. John J. MacKinnon , age 72, died peacefully at his Saugus home while surrounded by family and beloved dogs on Monday, November 3, 2003 after a long illness. He was the loving husband of Joyce A. (Lavelle) MacKinnon, with whom they celebrated their 33rd wedding anniversary this past April 17th.
He was born in Malden on October 27, 1931, a son, of the late James and MaryAnn (Gillis) MacKinnon. He was raised in Medford and was a communicant of the Immaculate Conception Church. He enjoyed bowling and was a member of the Irish-American Club in Malden.
He enlisted in the US Navy in 1951 serving aboard the USS Hank, USS Sierra, and USS Smalley. He received an honorable discharge in 1955 and also received the National Defense Medal and Navy Occupational Service Medal.
John was employed as a printer for the Daniels Printing Company in Everett for 17 years until his retirement in 1998.
Throughout his life, John was known as a loving and devoted father and friend. Those who have had the pleasure of knowing him knew that although ill, he always put the needs of his family before his own. He was always there to talk and share laughs with his daughters. He was a true patriarch of the family and will be sorely missed. John was especially fond of his dogs and was just heartbroken when his beloved Bruce passed on.
Besides his wife, John is survived by three daughters, Debra A. MacKinnon and her fiancée Derek J. Palermo, Jacqueline M. MacKinnon of Saugus and Denise MacKinnon of Foxboro, one son, Paul MacKinnon, who is currently serving in the Armed Forces. John is the beloved brother of Florence and her husband Jack Parent of Chelmsford, Rita and her husband Charles Morris of Arlington and Edna Forbes of Stoneham. He was the grandfather of five and great grandfather of one. John is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
He is predeceased by his two brothers, the late Alexander and Earl MacKinnon.
Funeral from the Beals-Geake-Magliozzi Funeral Home, 29 Governors Avenue, Medford, Friday, November 7th at 9:30 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated in the Immaculate Conception Church, 600 Pleasant St. Malden at 10:30 a.m. Relatives and friends respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, November 6th from 4 to 8 p.m. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers donations in John’s memory may be made to the MSPCA/Angel Memorial Hospital c/o Joan Stark, Development Office, 350 South Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02130 or to the Arthritis Foundation, Massachusetts Chapter, 29 Craft Street, Suite 450, Newton, MA 02458.