John J. Deneen, Jr.
September 23, 1937 - July 30, 2026
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Obituary for John J. Deneen, Jr.
John J. Deneen, Jr., of Quincy, formerly of Milton, passed away peacefully on July 30, 2026, at the age of 88.
He was the beloved husband of Karen Lee (Bell) Deneen. Devoted father of Janet O'Connell and her husband, Tom, of Milton. Cherished grandfather of Ryan O'Connell and his wife, Gillian, of Cohasset, and Caitlin O'Connell of Milton. He was the brother of the late Dennis Deneen and Kathleen Keefe, and is also survived by Kathleen's husband, Tom Keefe, of New York. He was the loving uncle of Donna Freitas, of Pembroke, as well as many cherished nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
John was born in the Bronx, New York, on September 23, 1937, to John and Margaret Deneen. In 1943, his family moved to Buffalo, New York, before settling in Milton, Massachusetts, in 1953. He attended Boston College High School, where he met his lifelong friend and honorary brother, Jim Cotter, a friendship that remained one of the greatest blessings of his life. John graduated from Boston College in 1959 and was immensely proud of his "Double Eagle" status as an alumnus of both institutions. He remained an active and devoted supporter of both schools throughout his life.
John began his career with Charles Rittenhouse before joining Polaroid Corporation, where his work allowed him to travel extensively throughout Europe and Asia. He later worked for The Limited Corporation and concluded his career with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
In 1987, John married the love of his life, Karen Bell. Together they shared nearly 40 wonderful years of marriage, creating countless memories during summers in Canada, vacations in the Dominican Republic, and winters spent in Florida.
John was an avid golfer and a longtime member of Wollaston Golf Club. A devoted Catholic, his faith was the foundation of his life and guided him in all that he did. He was a proud and faithful supporter of Boston College athletics and found great joy in cheering on the Eagles. More than anything, John treasured the relationships he built throughout his life. He was fiercely loyal to his family and friends, always generous with his time, quick with a smile, and happiest when surrounded by those he loved. His friendships spanned decades and were among his greatest blessings.
He will be remembered for his kindness, unwavering faith, warm sense of humor, generous spirit, and the deep love he shared with his family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations in John's memory may be made to Boston College High School, www.bchigh.edu/give , or the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, https://dogood.t2t.org/give/320847#!/donation/checkout?recurring=0
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend visiting hours on Sunday, August 2, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Dolan Funeral Home, 460 Granite Avenue, EAST MILTON SQUARE. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, August 3, at 12:00 p.m. at Sacred Heart Church, 386 Hancock Street, Quincy. Interment will be private.
Services
Visitation
04:00 PM - 07:00 PM
Mass of Christian Burial
12:00 PM - 01:00 PM
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Condolences
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August 06, 2026
Karen , so very sorry to hear of Jacks passing. Jerry and I always enjoyed talking with Jack. He was a walking sports encyclopedia. We missed him last season. Jackie and Jerry Kuhar 2/14/1987❤️
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August 03, 2026
Dear Karen. Over the years I have thought of John on those special nights when the wind is calm and the sky is clear and full of bright stars. On a visit here in Gagetown he could not believe his eyes. We were very sadden by the news of his passing. Our sincere condolences Brenda and Blair Stirling
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August 03, 2026
To Karen, Janet, and the rest of Jack's family- I am sorry to hear about Jack's passing. He was a friend of my Dad's from Wollaston. I have so many memories from both the golf course and The Charles, where he often stopped in for lunch. Such a nice guys and always a smile on his face. My deepest sympathies on your loss. Carol Labadini
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August 02, 2026
Sorry for your loss Karen Bill will be missed by Paulette and I , we will hold the memories he has given us forever. Paul & Paulette Mitton
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August 02, 2026
Dear Karen, We are so grateful for all the great times we have shared with you and John over the years. We will cherish those memories. We will miss him for all that he was. Love Debbie and Ron 🇨🇦
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August 02, 2026
Karen, We are so grateful for the many great times we have shared with you and John over the years. We will cherish those memories. May John Rest In Peace. Love Ron and Debbie 🇨🇦
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August 01, 2026
Karen, I am so sorry to hear of John's passing. He was a special man and will be missed by all who knew him. My thoughts are with you. Dwight Hargrove
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August 01, 2026
We enjoyed the poolside camaraderie in Florida with Jack. We will miss his wit and smiling face. He will be dearly missed. Eileen and Bill Murphy
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July 31, 2026
Dear Karen. We are so sorry to hear that dear John has passed away. Please accept our deepest condolences. Liz and Bill
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