John Joseph Lonergan, Sr.

Gunner’s Mate 3/C U.S. Navy Reserve

5 June 1951 – 4 June 1959 17 Jan 61

John was born on 23 January 1934, in Annapolis, Maryland. His parents were James Joseph Lonergan (15 Jan 1904 – 23 October 1984), who served in the Navy as a Radioman for six years from March 1923 to March 1929, and Mary Tarleton Lonergan (29 July 1901- 28 October 1984). John grew up in Annapolis, where he attended St. Mary’s Elementary School and High School through the 9th grade. He later earned his high school diploma through the General Educational Development Program. On 5 June 1951, John enlisted as a Seaman Recruit in the Navy Ready Reserve in Annapolis. He was assigned to Navy Reserve Surface Division (NRSD) W-3 in Annapolis. During this enlistment period, he attended drills in Annapolis and went on three active duty assignments for training – first at Naval Training Center in Bainbridge, Maryland from 6-19 April 1952, then aboard destroyer escort USS Hemminger (DE 746) from 8-21 November 1952, and finally aboard destroyer escort USS Robert F. Keller (DE 419) from 6-19 March 1954. During 1952 and 1953, John also trained as a Fireman Apprentice. He was promoted to Seaman on 9 February 1954. On 17 January 1955, John reenlisted in the Ready Reserve and continued to drill at Annapolis with NSRD W-3 until 1 July 1956. At that time he transferred to NSRD 5-39 in Annapolis. During his second enlistment, John went on one two-week period of active duty for training aboard aircraft carrier USS Antietam (CVA 36), and two at Norfolk, Virginia, where he attended Ship Activation School. John continued to drill with NSRD 5-39, during which time he trained as a Gunner’s Mate. He was discharged from the Ready Reserve as Gunner’s Mate 3/C on 17 January 1961, whereupon he reenlisted in the Inactive Reserve. After his discharge, John married Shirley Ann Stelljies (19 Jan 1936 – 29 Aug 1990) of Annapolis on 17 October 1953. They made their home in Eastport Annapolis. They raised five children; Marianne Theresa, John Joseph Jr., Michael Patrick, Sharon Marie, and Gregory David. John and his second wife, Linda Lee Edds (born 10 January 1945), had another child, Bryan David. John’s civilian employment through the years includes working for Rainbow Cleaners and St. Mary’s Church (on the janitorial and maintenance staff), after which he started his own busing business in 1959, whereupon he became President of Lonergan’s Charter Service, Inc., followed by President of Chesapeake Charter, Inc., and Treasurer of Anne Arundel School Bus Contractors Association. On 3 October 2001, he started Lonergan Properties, LLC, of which he became Controlling Member and Chief Executive Officer. Then on 16 September 2013, he started and is now President of Lucky’s Transport, LLC. In addition to being a life-long member of St. Mary’s Church, John was a member of the American Legion, the Fleet Reserve Club in Annapolis, and the Annapolis Elks Club #622. John last resided in Davidsonville, Maryland.

Visitation for friends will be held on Thursday January 28, from 6:00-8:00 pm without family present. Services and burial will be private.

In Lieu of Flowers memorials in his name to the American Cancer Society will be appreciated.