John W. "Softy" McNamara, a lifelong resident of Charlestown, passed into eternal life on Sunday, June 3, 2012 at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston following a brief illness with cancer. He was 79 years old.
Softy was born in Boston on September 20, 1932, one of 6 children of the late William H. McNamara and Winifred (Welch) McNamara. Softy grew up in Charlestown where he attended Boston Public Schools and graduated from Charlestown High School in 1952. He enlisted into the United States Army on January 19, 1953 and served his country honorably and proudly during the Korean Conflict. He was discharged on December 29, 1954 with the rank of Corporal. Softy worked for over 44 years as a Steam Ship Clerk on the Boston waterfront and was a member of The Steam Ship Clerk's Union Local # 1066. Softy was very involved in all aspects of sports during his lifetime and enjoyed coaching the Charlestown Softball Team for many years and also coached several other softball teams in the Boston and surrounding communities. Many years ago, Softy was the stick boy for the Boston Bruins and a penalty time keeper for the Boston Braves farm club. He enjoyed coaching basketball at the Charlestown Boys Club many years ago. He was a former member of the 520 Club and Bottom of The Hub Club in Charlestown.
Softy is the devoted and loving husband of 20 years to Geraldine M. Ridings. He is the beloved brother of Lillian Condon of Waltham, William McNamara of Braintree and the late Helen McNamara, Ethel Callahan and Daniel McNamara. He is the loving uncle of many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews and survived by his many loyal friends.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend Softy's Funeral on Thursday, June 7, 2012 at 9 a.m. from The Carr Funeral Home, 220 Bunker Hill St. Charlestown followed by his Funeral Mass in St. Mary's Church, 55 Warren St. Charlestown at 10 a.m. Interment at Woodlawn Cemetery in Everett. Visiting hours on Wednesday, June 6, 2012 from 3 to 7 p.m. in the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, kindly make a memorial donation in Softy's name to The Charlestown Boys & Girls Club, 15 Green St. Charlestown, Mass. 02129.