John J. Mullaney

John Mullaney's life was centered on 'his girls', his grandchildren and his neighbors whom he considered family. And they were with him when he died peacefully at home on Tuesday, September 18, 2018 after a valiant battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 68.

Born on December 19, 1949 in Waltham John was one of twelve children of the late John J. Jr. and Hilda C. (Besso) Mullaney. John graduated from Waltham High School with the class of 1968. He then earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Massachusetts College of Pharmacy becoming a registered pharmacist in 1975 following in his father's footsteps. In 1958 his father purchased the Thomas M.R. Allen Drug Store on Main Street in Waltham and changed the name to Mullaney's Pharmacy. They worked together for many years before John took a position with Rite Aid where he worked nearly forty years in Woburn in its pharmacy. He was a respected and familiar face amongst the staff and people who routinely frequented the pharmacy. He willingly provided advice and instruction about medications coupled with a dose genuine care and a nice smile and the result…friendships!

John married his high school sweetheart, Nancy H. Lazaro in Saint Julia's Church in Weston on January 13, 1973. They made Waltham their home and later welcomed two daughters into their family. He always considered Nancy his 'Queen' and daughters, Mandy and Tobi his 'Princesses.' When grandchildren were born he willingly surrendered his golf clubs so as to be a part of their lives…to babysit...cheer on from the sidelines of their games or be part of their activities. In the end his needs were simple and satisfied…if his family was happy so was John!

He loved his home on Lexington Street…tinkering around the house with a project at hand and tending to his yard and gardens. John was a much loved neighbor and a man who loved traditions of holiday's with his family, especially Thanksgiving which included annual walks around Walden Pond in Concord while dinner was being prepared. He loved all genres of music and while he was working in the yard it was often Jimmy Buffet's 'Margaritaville' that kept the mood fun and relaxed. John loved an excursion to Mohegan Sun, time on the beach in York, Maine nearby Nubble Light, a vacation to 'One Happy Island' in Aruba or the magnificent sunsets in Hawaii.

In addition to his wife of 45 years, Nancy he leaves their daughters, Mandy H. Mullaney-Kazan (Chris) of Wilton, Connecticut and Tobi M. Egirous (Michael) of Waltham; his grandchildren Cameron and Lucy Egirous, Kendall, Kayden and Keegan Kazan; his siblings Suzanne Saulnier of Waltham, Kathleen Pierce Mullaney of Mashpee, Deborah LeBlanc of Canada, Barbara Mullaney of Newton, Margaret Spencer of North Reading, Sharon Gulla of Moultonborough New Hampshire, Timothy Mullaney of Maynard, Kevin Mullaney of Needham, Patrick Mullaney and Christopher Mullaney both of Waltham, and the late Thomas Mullaney; his in-laws Marshall 'Buddy' Lazaro of Braintree, Marsha Corbett of Nashua, New Hampshire, Judith Lazaro-Levine of Stow, Vermont and Joseph Lazaro of Tewksbury; also survived by aunts, uncles, many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends will honor and remember John's life by gathering for calling hours in the Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Monday, September 24th from 4 to 8 p.m. and again on Tuesday morning when his funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Burial will follow in Newton Cemetery.

Memorials in his name may be made to the Salvation Army, 33 Myrtle Street, Waltham, MA 02453.