Mr. John F. Quealey

July 1, 1936 - October 7, 2016

John F. Quealey “Local Hero” LOWELL—John Francis Quealey, a well-known resident of Moore Street, passed away on Friday Morning at his home, following a brief illness. He was 80 years old. John was born in Boston, MA on July 1, 1936, a son of the late David and Margaret (O’Hehir) Quealey. John was a graduate of the Sacred Heart Grammar School, Keith Academy, and Lowell Technological Institute where he received a business degree. For many years, John was the proprietor of Quealey’s Market on South Whipple Street in the Grove Section of Lowell. John knew everyone in the neighborhood, and everyone knew John. He was good to people, and when someone was in need, the groceries were given at no charge. When John sold the store in 1993, he went to work at the Lowell Superior Court House. He was the maintenance supervisor for over 20 years. John made just as many friends at the court house as he did in his market. He had a way with people. He talked to everyone, and more importantly, he listened. At Sacred Heart, John was a pillar of the Church. He was a devout Catholic and an ever present parishioner and usher. John was a longtime member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, where he gave, not only of his time, but also with monetary and food donations, to the needy and less fortunate. John was bestowed the title of Honorary Oblate of Mary Immaculate, for his many years of service to Sacred Heart and its people. On November 9, 2004, John was selected by Cardinal Sean O’Malley to be a recipient of the Archdiocese of Boston’s Cheverus Award for his service to the Church and God’s people. When the Sacred Heart Church closed, John became a communicant of Holy Family Parish at St. Marie’s Church. John was also a member of the Lowell Elks. In his early years, John serves as an aide to the Democratic Party. He was known for his cooking and baking Irish Soda Bread for family and friends. John was a frequent traveler to Ireland to visit family and friends. John Quealey attended more wakes and funerals than anyone in Lowell. He was always well dressed and respectful, and could usually recount a good story or provide some family history about the person he was going to pay his respects to. For many years, John was the gatekeeper of the Historic Lowell Cemetery. John unlocked the gates at Lawrence Street and Knapp Avenue every morning and relocked them every night. Part of this duty was making sure all visitors had left the cemetery when the visiting hours were over. John was recognized by the community in 2004 as a Local Hero for his Good Samaritan Works with the St. Vincent de Paul Society at Sacred Heart Church. John Quealey will be long remembered as a good man- a soft spoken, humble, generous, and caring man, true to his Irish roots, and devoted to his family. Surviving John are his sister, Clare S. Dube and her husband Philip R. Dube of Lowell; two brothers Joseph T. Quealey, with whom he made his home, and James M. Quealey and his wife Peachie R. Quealey of Lowell; his nieces, Deborah, Katie, Susan, Holly, Kerry, and Jamie; one nephew, Philip; several grand nieces and grand nephews, and many dear friends. John was the brother of the late David Quealey who died January 18, 2015. FUNERAL NOTICE QUEALEY—In Lowell, October 7, 2016, at his home, John F. Quealey, age 80, a well-known member of the Grove Neighborhood and Sacred Heart Parish. Family and friends may call at the FAY McCABE FUNERAL HOME, 105 MOORE STREET, LOWELL on WEDNESDAY from 3 until 7 PM. John’s FUNERAL will begin on THURSDAY MORNING at 9 o’clock from the Funeral Home, followed by his FUNERAL MASS at 10 o’clock at HOLY FAMILY PARISH – ST. MARIE’S CHURCH, corner of Chamberlain and Grafton Sts. Lowell. Burial will follow in St. Patrick’s Cemetery. As an expression of sympathy, donations in John’s memory may be made to the Merrimack Valley Catholic Charities, 70 Lawrence Street, Lowell, MA 01852. ARRANGEMENTS BY THE FAY McCABE FUNERAL DIRECTORS 978-459-9222 www.faymccabe.com