John Joseph McWeeney

John Joseph McWeeney, a model of love, faith, and generosity, passed away peacefully at the age of 108 (109 counting, as he did, from the date of conception), leaving behind a legacy of warmth, wisdom, and deep devotion.

Born in 1916 in Bronx, New York, John lived a life enriched by his unwavering faith and his love for family and had a profound impact on all who had the privilege of knowing him. His life experiences, including losing his mother at two-years old because of the 1918 pandemic, shaped him into the man he was.

John proudly served his country in World War II (1941-1945), was stationed in North Africa and Italy and was known affectionately as "Father John” among his fellow servicemen. John had a successful career in the textile industry, working for the same company for fifty-seven years, with a four-year interruption serving his country. He was well-respected by his colleagues and customers.

John’s life was characterized by a deep commitment to service to his family and community.

A devoted husband to his beloved wife Hannah Veronica McWeeney (nee Mackey) for 62 years, John was a beacon of love and support to their children, grandchildren, and an extended family that spanned nine children, one daughter-in-law, five sons-in-law, twenty-nine grandchildren and their twenty-one spouses and forty-two great-grandchildren (and counting!)

Because of his and Hannah's love, faith and service, his home was a sanctuary of warmth and laughter, where family and friends gathered for good conversation, food, and fun.

Beyond his role as a loving dad and grandpa, John was a member of St Hilary’s Catholic Parish in Pico Rivera, where his quiet and authentic faith was an inspiration for many. He and Hannah were founding members of St. Hilary’s Perpetual Adoration Society, serving an hour of prayer every Tuesday night for more than forty years. Through this and his presence on bike rides through the neighborhood he touched countless lives as he provided friendship and wisdom to those he met.

John's intellectual curiosity was matched only by his passion for good classical music and his love of great philosophical and theological works. A scholar at heart, he found joy in exploring the depths of human thought from the lens of the great Catholic writers and sharing his insights with friends and family.

Known for his quick wit and capacity to recite numerous (and humorous) poems, John could effortlessly brighten the kitchen table. His intelligence and receptive nature endeared him to all who crossed his path, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of those he loved.

Above all, John valued and encouraged his children and grandchildren to recognize the importance of every soul that comes into this world. He regularly shared quotes from mystics and theologians on the centrality of marriage in the life and mind of Christ, the dignity of every human life and the importance of listening and loving one another as a complete creation of God. Not only did he preach this, but he also lived it and expressed it through conversations, sharing his favorite articles and books, and most importantly through his commitment to seeing his own faults, asking for forgiveness, and working through the challenges of human frailty on a daily basis.

He rarely missed leaving a birthday voicemail for a family member from their “old, old, old, old, old grandpa,” reminding them that they only had seventy, eighty or ninety-something years to catch up to him.

John Joseph McWeeney will be profoundly missed and lovingly remembered by his family, friends, and community. His spirit of love, faith, and laughter will continue to inspire and guide us all to share the gifts that he modeled with others.

A viewing and rosary will be held on Thursday, July 25, 2024, 6:00 p.m. at Funeraria del Angel, 9107 East Washington Blvd, Pico Rivera, CA 90660.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, July 26, 2024, 10:30 a.m. at St. Hilary Catholic Church, 5465 Citronell Ave, Pico Rivera, CA 90660.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of John and Hannah McWeeney to St. Hilary Catholic Church’s Perpetual Adoration Ministry (St. Hilary Parish | Pico Rivera, CA (st-hilary.com), The Carmelite Retreat House (Sacred Heart Retreat House | Promoting a deeper spiritual life among God)'s people) or The Sisters of Life (Homepage - Sisters of Life)

Rest in peace, dad/grandpa/great grandpa John, knowing you are enormously loved by all whose lives you touched. We will continue to spread your good news to the world!

*“Well done, good and faithful servant." - Matthew 25:23*