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John B. Binney

08/31/1931 - 06/15/2010

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Obituary For John B. Binney

John B. Binney, 78 of Rockland died suddenly at his home on June 15, 2010. He was born in Boston, son of the late S. Daniel and Theresa M. (Greene) Binney and was raised and received his early education in Hanover. He received a BA in Music from Boston University, and an MS in education from Boston State College.

During the Korean conflict, John served in the Army as a Chaplain’s Assistant and toured with the USO. After his discharge he was employed for several years with the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

For most of his life John was a musician and a teacher.

At the age of 13 John began service as the youngest paid organist playing for funerals in the Archdiocese of Boston. He was the organist for 13 years during the formation of St. Helen’s Church in Norwell and the first organist at the Church of the Resurrection in Hingham. For many years, John was the organist and choir director at Holy Family Church in Rockland and directed the men's choir at St. Bridget's parish in Abington.

He taught and mentored students at East Jr. High School and Braintree High School until his retirement. He also taught Fine Arts at Quincy College. He gave private lessons in Voice.

He was an avid and knowledgeable collector of antiques.

He is survived by his daughter, Mary T. Knoble of Rockland, his grandchildren, Michael, Annalaina and Elizabeth Knoble all of Rockland, his brother Richard S. O'Neil of Rockland, his nephews Daniel, Brian, Stephen Binney, his nieces Donna and Christina Binney and many cousins. He was pre-deceased by his brothers Daniel and George Binney,Lawrence and James O’Neil.

The Binney family welcomes friends and loved ones to celebrate John’s life at the Magoun-Biggins Funeral Home 135 Union Street, Rockland, on Monday, June 21, 2010 from 4-7 PM. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary of the Sacred Heart Church in Hanover on Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 10:00 AM. Burial will follow in Hanover Center Cemetery. In Lieu of flowers, contributions to a Music Scholarship in John’s name may be made to Rockland High School, Scholarship Dept. 52 MacKinlay Way Rockland, MA 02370. For directions or to share a memory on our "Tributes" page, www.magounbiggins.com.

Services

21 Jun

Visitation

16:00 PM - 19:00 PM

Magoun-Biggins Funeral Home 135 Union Street Rockland, MA 02370 Get Directions »
22 Jun

Interment

11:00 AM

Hanover Center Cemetery Hanover, MA Get Directions »
22 Jun

Mass of Christian Burial

22:00 PM

St. Mary of the Sacred Heart 392 Hanover St. Hanover, MA 02339 Get Directions »
by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

  • 04/02/2023

    Loretta Greene

    Mary, I am so sorry for your loss. I remember coming to visit you, your father, and great-aunt Theresa many years ago. We would go out behind your house to find arrow heads and your father would enthusiastically inspect our finds. He was such a warm and generous soul who had an amazing way with making people feel special. I've always had fond memories of the time we spent with you and your family. I'm sure your father is resting in glory. Loretta Greene

  • 05/25/2021

    Richard Distefano

    He wa a great guy one of the costomers you enjoy going to and havong a freindly chat always In a good mood, he wold tell me stories about his younger days and I would share my dads stories with him so they could relate due to being close in age well I am sure he will be missed bye Mr Binney I will keep alarm working for you.

  • 05/25/2021

    Florence Delaney

    Mary I am deeply saddened by the loss of your father and my friend, John. He was such a kind and thoughtful man, and so interesting, and I will miss him and our talks of antiques. I learned a lot from him. I never met you, but he spoke fondly of his daughter and grandchildren. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Florence Delaney

  • 05/25/2021

    Sandy Frederick-Spicuzza

    Mary, Your father is a wonderful man. I use to have many talks with about the collecting of antiques. He faithfully would come to our yard sale every year on East Water St. and share his little findings with us. After my dad passed I had some items out for a yard sale not really knowing what they were worth. He came that day and heard a woman offer me $20.00 for something. Your dad took me aside and told me to take that item & a few others back in the house and to never sell them unless I was about to be homeless. I am so grateful to him for telling me that. Your dad will truly be missed. My thoughts & prayers are with you & your family.

  • 05/25/2021

    Alice Stevens

    Dear Mary, I graduated from high school back in 1961. I remember having your wonderful father as my chorus teacher. I can still remember very well some of the songs. He was so full of energy. I hadn't seen him for all those years and just about 3 years ago I saw him at a luncheon. We had the nicest visit and I'm so glad I got to see him. Will keep you and the family in my thoughts. God Bless. Alice Stevens

  • 05/25/2021

    Patty Scheim

    Mary, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your father. I remember him best for the conversations I would have with him prior to us going out for a night on the town. He was very kind to me. Please know that you and your children are in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless!

  • 05/25/2021

    Donna Binney

    My Uncle John was such a unique, vibrant and creative person. He was so much fun for us to visit as we were children and always took an interest in our lives, was "present" at so many graduations, weddings, and especially our family vacations. As a girl he took me to sales and auctions and shared his knowledge for antiques and collections. His laugh came from way down inside, and twinkled in his eyes. John is the Binney family memory keeper. My love to Mary!

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