Obituary of John P. Dunleavy

John Dunleavy, 85 of Naples, Florida passed away peacefully on February 15, 2023, after a brief illness. His sons, Patrick and Sean were at his side. John was born in 1937 in New York, NY to Patrick and Helen Dunleavy. After moving from the Bronx in 1944, John always called Nassau, NY home.

John attended St. John’s Academy in Rensselaer, NY and graduated in 1955. He enlisted in the US Navy and served on the aircraft carrier, USS Leyte. After being honorably discharged from the Navy, John became a proud Ironworker and lifetime member of the International Brotherhood of Ironworkers, Local 12 in Albany, NY. John was also a graduate of the NYS Police Academy and served as a NYS Trooper. In 1967, he returned to Ironworking. John and his brotherhood of craftsmen helped transform the Albany skyline in building the South Mall and countless other structures from the Mid-Atlantic Coast to Maine. After retiring as an Ironworker, he worked as a courier for Quest Diagnostics.

John married his high school sweetheart Mary Ellen Eager. They both enjoyed raising their children and spending time with family and friends. This included vacations to the beach, teaching life-skills to his children, picnics at Cherry Plain, leisurely Sunday rides, celebrating special occasions, traveling, or sharing his passion for being outdoors by going camping, fishing, or hunting.

John and Mary enjoyed a happy retirement in Naples, Florida for many years. John was well known by his neighbors and made many snow-bird friends. They each found much joy in returning home to Nassau every summer.

John is predeceased by his wife and best friend of 56 years, Mary Ellen (Eager) Dunleavy and his daughter Lona (Dunleavy) Flannery.

John is survived by his sons, Patrick Dunleavy, his wife Aster, and Sean Dunleavy. His son-in-law Michael Flannery, grandchildren Tony Martin, Christian Martin, Eileen Dunleavy, Johnny Dunleavy, Kyle Flannery, Helena Dunleavy, and seven great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Patricia Danner, brother in-law John Danner, and several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation and gratitude to the staff of Avow Hospice and to the family and friends who provided support and comfort during John’s illness.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on June 15, 2023, at 11:30 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church in Nassau, NY. Family and friends are invited to calling hours at the Thomas P. Mooney Funeral Home, 11 Elm St. Nassau prior to the Mass from 9:30-11:00 a.m. Inurnment will immediately follow Mass at St. Mary's Cemetery, Nassau, NY. Donations may be made in John's name to Avow Hospice, 1095 Whippoorwill Lane, Naples, FL 34105 or St. Matthew’s House, 2601 Airport Road South, Naples, FL 34112.

www.avowcares.org

www.stmatthewshouse.org