Peter P. Looney, a lifelong resident of Charlestown, died on Thursday, August 11, 2011, at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston following a courageous battle with cancer and declining health. He was 69 years old.
Peter was born in Medford on November 18, 1941 to the late William and Agnes (Burns) Looney and was a surrogate son to the late Patrick and Alice Murphy. He grew up in Charlestown where he attended St. Mary's Parochial School and graduated from Charlestown High School in 1960. Peter worked for more than 27 years as a sheetmetal worker and was a member of The Sheetmetal Workers Union Local # 17. He also worked as a Clerk of Works for the City of Boston for more than 11 years and retired in 2006. Peter was a devoted Townie to the many trials and tribulations that so many people of Charlestown encountered while living in Charlestown and Peter was always there to help anyone at anytime in need. Peter was very influential in the forming of Charlestown Against Drugs Program and has been its Chairman since its inception in the 1980's. He was always concerned with the young children growing up in Charlestown. Peter was a member of The Majestic Knights Drum & Bugle Corps of Charlestown, Bunker Hill Irish Heritage Society, Bunker Hill Associates Charter Member and Past President, Bunker Hill Council # 62, Knights of Columbus, and The Old Charlestown Schoolboys Association. Peter was involved in the Charlestown Mayor's Race, The Charlestown Neighborhood Council where he was Chairman for 10 years, Friends of Charlestown District Court, Mishawum Park Tenants Association where he was a former Chairman, Dennis McLaughlin House Board Member, Townie Santa, Mayor's Task Force for New Police Station, Charlestown Historical Society, Election Organizer Bunker Hill Housing Development Tenants Task Force, Charlestown Fire Fund, CSAC, MGH Charlestown Board of Advisors, Camp Bunker Hill, Charlestown Community Appreciation Awards former Chairman, Ward 2 Democratic Committee, Bunker Hill Day Parade Committee, USS Bunker Hill Commissioning Committee, 911 Committee, Gulf War Welcome Home Committee, Zelma Lacey Assisted Living House Advisory Board former Chairman, Christmas for Kids former Chairman, St. Mary's Church Parish Council, BNN-TV Charlestown Live, Host and BNN-TV Bunker Hill Day Parade Coverage Host.
Peter is the beloved husband of 47 years to Mary Ellen "Mae" (Sullivan) Looney. He is the devoted father of Peter P. Looney Jr. and his wife Diane of Marshfield and Michelle O'Leary and her husband Thomas of Marshfield. He is the loving "Dado" to Brendan, Molly and Nolan Looney and Brooke and Meadow O'Leary. He is the beloved brother of Robert Looney of New York, William Looney of Harwich, Lawrence Looney of Haverhill and the late Patricia MacFadden, Patricia Foley and Virginia Walsh. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, dear relatives and friends.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend Peter's Funeral on Monday, August 15, 2011, at 10 a.m. from The Carr Funeral Home, 220 Bunker Hill Street, Charlestown, followed by his Funeral Mass in St. Mary's Church, 55 Warren Street, Charlestown, at 11 a.m. Interment at Holy Cross Cemetery in Malden. Visiting hours will be on Sunday, August 14, 2011, from 2 to 6 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, kindly make a memorial donation in Peter's name to Charlestown Against Drugs, C.H.A.D., P.O. Box 290035, Charlestown, Mass. 02129.