Lynn – John J. Colleary, 80, of Lynn and formerly of Southborough and Boston, passed away Friday, Oct. 17, 2014. He was the husband of the late Eleanor (Clark) Colleary.
Born in Southborough, he was the son of the late Josephine (Canning) and William J. Colleary Sr.
John was a 1952 graduate of the former Peter’s High School in Southborough and was a graduate of Boston University School of Music. He was a U.S. Army veteran, serving with the rank of sergeant, and was the founder and conductor of the 72 piece Fort Dix Army Band. He performed with his band at the White House and various TV shows in the late 1950s. He was also a member of the Boston Opera Group, performing in the Boston area.
Later in life, John could be found entertaining in the Hampshire House on Beacon Hill. He was a gifted musician and a renowned opera singer.
He leaves his sisters, Mary Dalpe of Marlborough and Josie Shea and her husband John; a brother, James Colleary and his wife Maureen; and a sister-in-law, Kathy Colleary, all of Southborough, and several nieces. He was predeceased by his brother, William J. Colleary Jr.
Visiting hours will be held Tuesday, Oct. 21, from 4-7 p.m., at the Morris Funeral Home, 40 Main St., Southborough. His funeral Mass will be held Wednesday, Oct. 22, at 10 a.m., at St. Matthew Church, 26 Highland St., Southborough. Burial will follow in the Southborough Rural Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent in his name to the Jimmy Fund, 10 Brookline Place West, 6th Floor, Brookline, MA 02445-7226.
To leave words of condolence to the family, visit www.morrisfuneralparlor.com.
