John E. Clougherty, Jr. a retired Deputy Chief and 38 year member of the Boston Fire Department, died on Monday January 15, 2007 at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston following a lengthy battle with cancer. He was 75 years old.
John has been a resident of Dorchester for over the past 40 years. He was born and raised in Charlestown where he attended St. Mary's Parochial School and graduated from Matignon High School in Cambridge. He enlisted into the United States Army on January 19, 1955. He served during the Korean Conflict and was honorably discharged on January 18, 1957. John was appointed to the Boston Fire Department on November 12, 1958. He served on Ladder Companies 22 and 23. He was promoted to Lieutenant on August 5, 1964 and served on Ladder Company 13. He was promoted to Captain on November 30, 1966 and served on Engine Company 18 and then Ladder Company 3. On March 4, 1970 John was promoted to District Fire Chief and was in charge of Districts 2, 3, and 4 which included downtown Boston, Charlestown, South End and the Back Bay. John's final promotion came on April 14, 1976 when he was promoted to Deputy Fire Chief in charge of Division 1 which occupied the north section of the city of Boston. As acting Deputy Chief, John was in command of the Plant Shoe fire on February 1, 1976 one of the largest fires in the city's history. Other major fires that John fought were the Vendome Hotel in 1972,Beacon Chambers Hotel fire in October of 1980, 9 alarm fires at Avery Hotel and Snyders Army and Navy Store, Spreo Toy Warehouse and Clarendon Street Baptist Church during the arson epidemic of 1982. John was a member Boston Firefighters Union Local # 718.
John is the beloved husband of Beatrice E. (Duffy) Clougherty. He is the devoted father of Eileen C. and Coleen Clougherty both of Dorchester. Loving grandfather of John J. Clougherty of Dorchester and Mark S. Andrews of Randolph. Beloved son of the late John E. (Retired Chief of the Department, Boston Fire Department) and Anna M. (Hennessey) Clougherty. Beloved brother of Patricia A. Roney of Dedham, Joseph A. Clougherty of Braintree, Evelyn Hanf of Dorchester, Charles H. Clougherty of Lynn, Jane Green of Everett, Mary McNelley of Charlestown, Leo Clougherty of Roslindale, Cecelia Clougherty of Malden, Jean Marie Harrington of Peabody, the late Robert J., Paul B., Bernard J. and Peter E. Clougherty. John is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.
John's Funeral will be held on Saturday January 20, 2007 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. Relatives and friends are invited. Visiting hours for John will be held on Thursday January 18, 2007 from 5 to 8 p.m. and Friday January 19, 2007 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Burial will take place at Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett.
In lieu of flowers, kindly make memorial donations in John's name to Shriners Burn Institute 51 Blossom St. Boston, Mass. 02114.