John “Papa” Harney
Born on March 4, 1942 in Boston, MassachusettsPassed April 9, 2025 in West Melbourne, Florida
John “Papa” Harney of Melbourne Florida, formerly of South Weymouth, Massachusetts died peacefully on April 9 at the age of 83.
John was born in Boston, Massachusetts on March 4, 1942. The oldest of three children, he joined the Navy after graduating from high school, proudly serving on the aircraft carrier, USS Forrestal. He later put himself through night school at Northeastern University, earning a BS degree while also working full time for the Boston Gas Company. He spent his entire career with the gas company, working his way up the ladder from his early days in the mailroom to his final years where he served in management in the Information Services department in charge of computer operations.
In 1968, John married Cathleen (Doherty) and was fortunate enough to have 56 years, and three daughters together. They raised their family in South Weymouth, Massachusetts, where he was an active member of St. Francis Xavier Church and a past Grand Knight for the K of C Council 5027. After his children were grown, John and Cathleen headed south to enjoy their retirement years in the Florida sunshine. They spent many happy years in West Palm Beach, Port St. Lucie and most recently in Melbourne. He was blessed to travel extensively in his golden years and particularly loved cruising. In 2018, he and Cathleen took their whole family on a Caribbean cruise to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary.
John loved all Boston sports, but always had a soft spot for the Red Sox. He was particularly happy when the Red Sox reversed the curse and won the World Series in 2004. He also loved working in his yard in Weymouth and took great pride in its beauty, even going so far as to weed the sidewalks. More than anything though, John loved spending time with his family. Whether he was sitting by the pool with his daughters engaging in good conversation, enjoying a night out with his wife, or watching one of his grandchildren play a sport or perform in a concert, nothing made him happier. He was a true family man.
John was predeceased by his father John and mother Helen (Coyle).
He is survived by his wife Cathleen (Doherty) and his three daughters Susan (David) Newcombe of Bourne, Sheryl (Stephen) McGettrick of Plymouth and Stacy (Matthew) Ginsberg of Rockledge, Florida. He also leaves behind seven grandchildren, Michaela, Meghan, Timothy, Ashley, Jason, Peter and Haley, as well as his sister Donna (Robert) Pero of Groton and his brother Robert (Lynn) Harney of Quincy. In addition, he leaves behind many nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at St. Francis Xavier Church on Pleasant Street in South Weymouth later this spring.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of Health First, 1131 West New Haven Ave. Suite 102, West Melbourne, Florida 32904:
