John F. Coveney

John F. Coveney, age 63, passed away unexpectedly on April 29, 2024, at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital in Needham, Massachusetts. Born in Winchester, Massachusetts on September 6, 1960, he was the son of the late Leo J. and Margaret L. (Callahan) Coveney. John was raised in Needham, a member of a large and loving family that included nine siblings. As a child John attended Saint Joseph's school in Needham before heading to Xaverian Brothers High School in Westwood, Massachusetts. After his graduation from Xaverian in 1978, John attended Merrimack College in North Andover, Massachusetts, from which he earned his Bachelor’s degree.

In 1983, John moved to Walpole, Massachusetts where he would raise his family. During this time John worked as a mortgage originator, helping individuals to secure loans and purchase homes of their own. At home, John was a loving and involved father. He encouraged his young boys to pursue their passions and supported them in any way that he could. John would proudly sit in the audience at Brian’s plays, ready to give a standing ovation. As the boys played on sports teams, John would happily volunteer, with many of their friends and classmates referring to him as Coach long after little league and basketball seasons ended. On Thursday nights, John and the boys would head to Xaverian Brothers for pickup basketball games, where John would show his sons that Dad could play in addition to coach, often ending the night by grabbing a pizza from the First Sandwich Shop as a treat. In the summer John looked forward to spending time down in Centerville at his parents’ cottage with many generations gathered, making memories with his nieces and nephews.

John switched careers in the late 2000's, joining the JSC Transportation team as a bus driver for children with disabilities. He loved his job and found great fulfillment in the bonds he forged with his young riders, often going above and beyond for them. John also regularly officiated sporting events, his enthusiasm for local athletics continuing even after his boys graduated from high school. He enjoyed being active in the sports community, whether it was serving as an umpire, refereeing a basketball, soccer or flag football game, or officiating for an adult league. John was often participating in a game a day, if not more. 

A few short years ago, John received an exceptionally special birthday surprise. John learned he would take on a new role in his life, that of a Grandfather. To say that John was thrilled would be an understatement. John loved to be a father, and becoming a grandfather was a whole new adventure that he could not wait to be a part of. His children were his pride, and his grandchildren were his joy. John wanted the grandkids to pick out his title and was delighted when Holden began calling him "Bahpa", a name meant just for him. Mondays were an important day of the week, as he watched Holden, and later Palmer, often taking them for walks with Mikey (his beloved dog and best friend) or to Walpole Library for story time. Christmas was a special time, as John donned a big red suit and white beard to visit Holden and Palmer as Santa Claus, excited to see the joy on his grandsons’ faces.

In his free time, John enjoyed spending time with his family and his friends. He was an outgoing and social person who was able to connect with people in a special way, building community wherever he went. He often enjoyed a drink at Finnegan’s Wake with friends or to watch a game. He was great at organizing get-togethers, including the annual Coveney family softball game. Every Wednesday John and his son Brian watched Survivor and had dinner together. John continued the Thursday night basketball tradition with friends gained through decades of refereeing and coaching in the Walpole community, this time sharing the court with his son Sean. Over the years John gained many close friendships, creating new ones at each stage of his life while retaining and nurturing older friendships, some that stretched as far back to his days at Saint Josephs and Xaverian Brothers.

John was a fantastic father, as well as a respected father figure to many. He had a big heart and loved those he held dear, fiercely. He was proud of his family, thankful to see his children grow up into the people he knew they could be. John will be remembered as a loving, kind, generous, and funny man, who was loved by all.

Loving father of Sean T. Coveney, and his wife Kira, of Norwood and Brian P. Coveney of Walpole, as well as his beloved dog (and "best son") Mikey

Cherished Bahpa of Holden P. Coveney and Palmer F. Coveney

Brother of Barbara A. Harkins, and her husband Thomas, of Needham, Michael P. Coveney, and his wife Susan, of Reading, Mary M. Coveney, and her husband David Walsh, of Medfield, Phillip J. Coveney of Medfield, Patricia B. Menno-Coveney, and her husband Stephen, of Mystic, Connecticut, Maureen L. Coveney, and her husband David Boissoneault, of Lexington, Kentucky, Paul L. Coveney of Needham, Thomas R. Coveney, and his wife Tara, of Hingham, and David J. Coveney of Medfield

 Also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, Godchildren, and friends

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend John's visitation on Monday, May 6th, 2024, from 4:00 - 7:00 pm in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in John's name may be made to: 

- Walpole Charities Fund: check written to “Walpole Charities Fund” sent c/o Finnegan’s Wake 685 Main Street Walpole, MA 02081

- Walpole Children’s Theatre: https://www.walpolechildrenstheatre.org/ on the home page, scroll to “want to support our organization?” and click the “donate” link 

- WYBA (Walpole Youth Basketball) Checks written to WYBA sent to PO Box 301 Walpole, MA 02081 OR via Venmo @WalpoleYouthBB