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John Edward Seymour

Passed 06/26/2020

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Obituary For John Edward Seymour

John Edward Seymour, 85, passed away on June 26, 2020 due to natural causes. He was born in 1935 to parents Henry and Margaret in Cork, Ireland.

He is survived and missed by his beloved wife of 62 years, Maura (née Sullivan); sons Stephen (Doreen) of Menands, NY; Patrick (Catarina) of Wilton, CT; brother Timothy (Nora Ann) of Skibbereen, Ireland; son-in-law Edward Mitchell of Clearwater Beach, FL; seven grandchildren: Shauna Mitchell, John Mitchell, Lilla Seymour, Sloan Seymour, Sean Seymour, Maud Seymour, and Margaret Seymour; as well as several nieces, nephews, and many dear friends. He is preceded in death by his daughter, Cynthia Mitchell.

As a young man, John played soccer and Gaelic football semi-professionally, and he carried this passion for sport through his whole life. After emigrating from Ireland to the United States in 1957, John proudly served in the U.S. Army Military Police in Alexandria, VA.

In 1962, he began a 30-year career at Boston Edison and settled in Rockland, MA to raise his three children. It wasn't long before his love of soccer would change the town of Rockland for the better. In 1975, John founded the Rockland Youth Soccer Association. He would go on to serve as the association's first director and coach both boys' and girls' teams for the next 10 years.

But he couldn't just stay on the sidelines—in addition to his directing and coaching responsibilities, John played for the Rockland Rowdies until his retirement in 1995. Countless Rockland youth, including John's children and grandchildren, have enjoyed the thrill of the game under his tutelage. Beyond soccer and football, John's interests and hobbies ranged from gardening to ancestry to polishing his car. He literally and figuratively set roots wherever he went, brightening every space with flowers and making friends with any and every passerby. He documented his family history to preserve for future generations and inspired a fierce pride of heritage in his children and grandchildren.

He will be remembered for his quick wit, playful spirit, and love of his family and his country.

Out of an abundance of caution, John's family is holding a small funeral service at St. Bridget Church in Abington, MA, followed by burial at Holy Family Cemetery in Rockland, MA.

There will be a memorial celebration of John's life announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please make a charitable donation in John's name to​ St. Peter's Community Hospice Foundation​ https://donate.givetocommunityhospice.org/ , or a charity of your choice.

Services

2 Jul

Funeral Mass

St. Bridget's Church 455 Plymouth St Abington, MA Get Directions »
2 Jul

Interment

Holy Family Cemetery 92 Centre Ave Rockland, MA 02370 Get Directions »
by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

  • 03/03/2025

    Carol

    I'm so sorry to read this , John and I were email correspondents many years ago and we helped each other with family history . Reunited with Cindy . love to Maura x

  • 05/26/2021

    James Ebersole

    Steve and Family,My Sincere Condolences to your Family

    Steve I am back in Rockland if you have time to say hello 781 351 1679

    Jimmy

  • 05/26/2021

    Graham O'Donovan

    So sorry for your loss, have great memories of John, hope ye are all keeping well

  • 05/26/2021

    Paul and Barbara Fournier

    We just realized John passed away in June. So very sorry, you both brought joy and Faith in God and of course Soccer to Rockland. God Bless

  • 05/26/2021

    Jim Sullivan

    Pat, Steve, Mrs. Seymour, and family, I am sorry to hear of your father/John's passing. I have fond memories of your father, whose imposing physical presence belied his patience with all of the many many youth who looked to him during his youth soccer coaching career in Rockland. He seemed to take real delight from the coaching/teaching role. A kind man, many will miss him.

  • 05/26/2021

    Mike Metivier

    One of the kindest men I have ever met. Truly "Salt of the earth".

  • 05/26/2021

    jack mcgrath

    Steve & Family sorry for Your loss. May John Rest In Peace

  • 05/26/2021

    Scott MacKinlay

    Friends, I am very sorry to have missed the notice of John's passing. We became good friends when he provided great help to Rockland High School when we began our Soccer program. He was an outstanding supporter of our school and I looked forward talking with him because of his positive outlook and his can do attitude. At times like these you need a savior, at times like these you need friends- John certainly has both.

  • 05/26/2021

    Eileen Thompson

    So sorry to hear of Mr. Seymours passing. He was my soccer coach and i remember him always being on the side lines of my games from youth soccer till high school.

  • 05/26/2021

    Kathy Doyle

    John was a true gentleman in every way. He was a positive influence and role model to many, many Rockland youth. I am most grateful that he was such a part of the Doyle's youth.
    My deepest sympathy to Maura and family.

  • 05/26/2021

    Janice (Kelliher) Austin

    Dear Maura, I'm so sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in all the memories you had together.

  • 05/26/2021

    Terri Ocallaghan

    Maura, I remember you from E.T.Wright's, sorry to hear of John's passing.

  • 05/26/2021

    Brian O'Reilly

    Dear Maura, I'm very saddened to hear that John has died. I lost your email a few years ago when I changed my computer so was unable to get in touch. I have informed Fr Seamus in Florida. Offering mass for the repose of Johns soul and all his family.
    Fr Brian O'Reilly

  • 05/26/2021

    Shelby Phillips

    Maura and family
    Oh the memories of John and you that Jack and I shared in Lake Worth, Florida. We were recipients of Johns love of flowers and his beautiful personality

  • 05/26/2021

    Dick Chevrette

    Maura and family please accept my sincere condolences for your loss. Truly the best fiends and neighbors anyone can ever wish for.

  • 05/26/2021

    Con O'Connell

    Catherine and I were saddened to hear of John's passing. We had lived in the same neighborhood in Cork City, but it was many years after we had emigrated that we reconnected. We developed a close friendship with John and Maura and visited them when we traveled to the USA from Canada, where we shared many memories from back home in Ireland. John was a man of decency, integrity, honesty, a pleasure to be around and lots of fun! He lived a full life and with Maura at his side, made as significant contribution to the communities in which they lived. He will be missed, but celebrated!

  • 05/26/2021

    Kathleen Botelho Kawa

    Dear Steve and Family, I have many fond memories of your parents at Holy Family over the years. Please accept my deepest sympathies at the loss of your Dad. May he rest in peace and may your memories sustain you in the days and weeks to come.

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