John J. Laverty Jr.
BIDDEFORD — John J. Laverty Jr., 85, of Biddeford, Maine, died peacefully surrounded by his family and friends on the morning of Sunday, Feb. 19.
He was born in Port Chester, New York, the eldest son of John J. Laverty and Mary (Kingsley) Laverty.
John is survived by the love of his life of 32 years, Cynthia Pallian of Biddeford, as well as his 3 daughters, Renée Carney and husband Paul of Biddeford, Robin Molloy, and husband Terry of Brewster, NY, and Debra Hersey and husband John of Cazenovia, NY, and his 3 sons, Gary and wife Lisa of Newburgh NY, Michael Laverty of Cazenovia, NY, and John J. Laverty III. He had 5 grandchildren, Savannah Mondor of Arundel, Amber Mondor of Portland, Vie Carney Drew of Auburn, Dana Molloy of Pawling, NY, and Dan Molloy of Biddeford. John is also survived by his brothers, Brian Laverty and wife Charlotte of Columbus, GA, and Donald Laverty and wife Mary of Vero Beach, FL. He was predeceased by his 2 brothers, William Laverty and James Laverty.
John attended and graduated from Port Chester High School and attended the Delehanty Institute. John’s family had a commitment to public service. His grandfather was a battalion chief in the New York City fire department, his father and brothers served as firefighters in New York, and John himself volunteered as a firefighter in New York. He served in the United States Navy from March 1956 until December 1957 on board the USS Randolph CVA-15 in the Mediterranean. John loved serving his country and told many tales from his days at sea and amongst his fellow soldiers.
John worked as a steamfitter in Westchester County, New York as a young man. He continued this trade working in many buildings in Portland and in the Biddeford mills, keeping the boiler plants operational to heat the buildings.
Later in life, he worked alongside Cynthia at Pallian and Co. in Wells, Maine. John was the “jack” of all trades in the daily functions of the store. He became well known throughout the business community in the town of Wells and made lifelong friends.
His passion and love for the ocean led him to sail the islands and coves of Maine aboard his sailboat, the “Teal” which he moored in Harpswell at the Dolphin Marina.
John gave back as a veteran volunteering at the Sanford Veterans Center. He worked the reception desk, greeting clients and answering phones. John became part of the Vet Center team and was cherished by both staff and visitors to the center.
A celebration of life will be held on March 4, 2023, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Hope Memorial Chapel on 480 Elm St., Biddeford, ME 04005. Food and memories will be shared amongst family and friends. A burial at the Maine Veterans Cemetery in Springvale, Maine, is to be announced. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Biddeford Fire Department, 152 Alfred Road, Biddeford, ME to honor the fathers and sons in the line of duty.
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