Natick Loses Family Man, Shamrock Society Founding Member, Retired Engineer

John J. Furey, 80, of Natick and Dennis, died Sunday, Feb. 10, surrounded by his loving family.

He was the beloved husband of Katherine R. (Kelley) Furey, with whom he shared 56 years of marriage.

A Natick resident for 51 years, he was born in Watertown, son of the late Thomas J. and Ella (Cunningham) Furey.

Mr. Furey worked for 38 years as an engineer for the Microwave Development Laboratories of Needham.

He was a long time member of St. Linus Parish, a Natick Elks Life member, and a founding member of the Shamrock Society of Natick.

Mr. Furey enjoyed summers on Cape Cod and was an avid photographer. His home was his hobby and he was known by family and neighbors as the man to fix anything.

Above all he cherished the time spent with his family, especially with his grandchildren.

In addition to his wife he is survived by his five devoted daughters, Katherine F. Moynihan and her husband Patrick of Northbridge, Susan M. Hatton of Natick, Anne Marie Betschart of Hopedale, Kristin F. Martell and her husband Jonathan of Mendon, and Colleen A. McMahon and her husband John of Hopedale. He also leaves behind a sister, Theresa Cousineau and her husband Edward of Waltham, a brother-in-law, Edward Kelly of Natick, 14 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

He was the father of the late Maureen L. Furey, and Jean L. Furey, grandfather of the late Meaghan C. Moynihan, brother of the late Thomas Furey, Mary Duval, Esther Mahoney, and Ethel Kelly.

Mr. Furey was a proud veteran of the United States Army serving in the Signal Corps during the Korean War.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral on Friday, Feb. 15 at 8 a.m. from the 4 Park St. at Natick Common, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Linus Church at 9 a.m.

Visiting hours are Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. 

Interment is at St. Patrick Cemetery.

Expressions of sympathy may be made in John’s memory to a charity of one’s choice.