Mr. John J. MacKinnon, Jr. a resident of Lawrence, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday morning, February 4, 2016. He was 88 years old.
Born in Middleton, Massachusetts, he was the beloved son of the late John J. MacKinnon, Sr. and the late Jeanette MacKinnon. Mr. MacKinnon was a Retired career Army veteran, entering the military at Ft. Devens on February 28, 1959 and receiving his honorable discharge on April 2, 1979. While serving in the Army, John attained the rank of SSGT E-6 and spent the latter half of his career as an investigator with the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command. He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal and the WWII Victory Medal for his exemplary service. Mr. MacKinnon was a graduate of the University of Nebraska and received his Master of Education degree from Salem State College. His second career was spent as Office Manager with the Department of Employment Security for more than 23 years. A disciple of Alcoholics Anonymous, John celebrated 54 years of sobriety dating back to January 2, 1962. He was a licensed Rehabilitation Counselor and provided services to hundreds of men and women who suffered from addiction. John was a life-long student of philosophy, and an avid reader. He will be dearly missed.
John is survived by his loving children; John A. MacKinnon of Newburyport, Brian MacKinnon of Lawrence and Sarah A. MacKinnon of Derry, New Hampshire. He was also the cherished grandfather of Kyle and Jack MacKinnon.
His Funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. Agnes Church, 22 Boston Avenue, Middleton on Tuesday, February 9, 2016, at 9 AM. Relatives and friends are most welcome to attend. Calling hours will be held in the Burke-Magliozzi Funeral Home, 390 North Main Street, Andover on Monday, February 8, 2016, from 4 to 7 PM. Interment will be held in the Oakdale Cemetery in Middleton. For additional information, please visit, www.burkemagliozzi.com