Obituary: John Joseph Mackey, Jr., 57, of Guilford

Obituary courtesy of W.S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home:

John Joseph Mackey, Jr. of Guilford passed away on Thursday January 6, 2022, surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of Wendy Lord Mackey for 27 years. John was born February 23, 1964 in New Haven, son of the late John Mackey, Sr. and Breada O’Keefe Mackey.

Besides his wife, he is survived by his children James Joseph Lord Mackey, Tessa Rose Lord Mackey, and Lily Maeve Lord Mackey of Guilford; his brother William F. Mackey (Denise) of Middlefield, CT, and his sisters, Margo Mackey Potts (Blair) of Charlotte, NC and Fionnuala Mackey Browning (David) of Old Greenwich, CT, and many nieces and nephews- Ryan Mackey and Jillian Mackey Simms; Breada Forlizzi and Mary Potts; Siobhan, Mikaela and Aedan Browning; William and Matthew Farmer.

John devoted his professional life to education, having taught both French and Spanish language for over 25 years. He was a teacher at Lyman Hall High School in Wallingford until retiring in 2018, where he built a strong and popular program in French. He ran the ski club and French club, allowing him to share his passion for travel and adventure with his students. One highlight of his career was being named Fulbright Scholar which allowed him to teach for a year in Cannes, France. Additionally, John taught Spanish at Quinnipiac University. John graduated from Notre Dame High School in New Haven, where he met his best friends. He also holds multiple degrees from Southern Connecticut State University including a Bachelor of Arts (History major), Master’s Degree in Education and French, and a 6th year (30 post master’s credits) in Spanish. He is also a proud United States Army veteran- having served eight years in the National Guard.

John Joe loved life and lived every moment to the fullest, sharing it with all around him. He coached just about every sport his kids did: Gaelic football, soccer, and hockey- even though he couldn’t skate. He was also an avid athlete, running 3 marathons, completing a hundred mile bike ride for Cancer, many triathlons, the yearly New Haven 20k road race, and skiing whenever he possibly could. A first generation Irish American, John was a lifetime member of the New Haven Gaelic Football and Hurling Club, serving as the president, a Gaelic football coach, and a passionate volunteer. He was honored with Irish Man of the Year 2021 for years of service. He helped to bring kids to the club, restarted the youth Gaelic sports program, and developed an annual summer Irish Cultural Children’s camp that filled the children’s brains and bodies with everything Irish for many years. Additionally, he coached and brought home an All-Ireland Championship Cup for the New York County Feile team. Following in his mother’s shoes, John performed in several Gaelic Players theater productions.

The other great love of his life was his music. John started singing in the Trinity Boys Choir when he was 6 years old- and proudly sang for the Queen of England and at the White House- and sang up until his last moments. Some of his happiest memories were on stage singing with his band “Just One More” or singing “O Danny Boy” to all three of his kids as they fell asleep. John Joe was quick to become anyone’s friend; whether he was your bartender, your teacher, your friend or your acquaintance, he knew exactly how to make you laugh. John Joe’s life was a party, and everyone was invited. Most of all, he was the most amazing husband and father to his family. He leaves a legacy of memories, lessons, and songs that will fill our hearts forever.

Visiting hours are Tuesday evening, January 11th from 4:00 – 8:00 PM at the W. S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home, 244 North Main Street, Branford. A funeral service will be held Wednesday January 12th at 2pm at First Congregational Church of Guilford, 122 Broad St, Guilford. A live stream link of the Funeral Service will be shared. Reception to follow.

In respect for all, please adhere to strict Covid protocols- masks are essential, social distancing will be enforced- windows will be open at the Funeral Service- please dress warmly.

In lieu of flowers; donations can be made to one of the following:

● New Haven Gaelic Football and Hurling Club- Youth Sports Program9 Venice Place, New Haven, CT 06512 (In Memory of John Mackey)

● Orchard House- Adult Day Care Center421Shore Drive, Branford, CT 06504 (In Memory of John Mackey)or click the donate button on their website: https://www.theorchardhouse.or...