John Joseph Munro

John Joseph Munro, age 86, of Holyoke, passed away surrounded by his family on Wednesday, October 20, 2021. He was born in Holyoke, son of the late William and Jane (McLaughlin) Munro, and was a graduate of the former Sacred Heart High School and later attended Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. John grew up in Holyoke but lived in Titusville Florida for several years.

John was a United States Navy veteran, serving onboard the USS Antietam. He served in the Air Force Reserve at Westover in Chicopee where he was also a civilian employee. During this time, John and Patricia established their own business; Holyoke Canvas Products. John continued his federal career as a Quality Assurance Representative for the Defense Contract Management Agency where he was awarded the NASA Silver Snoopy Award. This award represents the astronauts' own recognition of excellence and outstanding achievements related to human flight safety and mission success. The awarded "Silver Snoopy" was flown during a NASA mission. Shortly thereafter, John and Pat moved to Titusville Florida where he continued his career until retirement from NASA at Kennedy Space Center.

John was happiest when he was surrounded with his family; unless they were blocking the television during a Notre Dame game.  John. Loved. Football.  John was a tenacious player; he loved his time on the field playing for Holyoke Catholic High School. His team was later inducted into the Holyoke Catholic Alumni Athletic Hall of Fame. John was also a great swimmer and oddly boasted about having swam in every canal in Holyoke. There were rumors that he had a habit of breaking into the old Holyoke High pool at night to swim. These stories cannot be verified and the statute of limitations has long passed. There’s a good chance that his longtime childhood friend, Eddie McLaughlin may have been involved in some of these misadventures. John was either a prankster or a great storyteller. Either way, growing up in Holyoke “back in the day” was filled with cherished memories for John. One of his claims to fame (self admittedly) was that he could recount every movie he saw as a kid in Holyoke; the title, the theater, and price of admission. As the baby of the family, no doubt, one of his sisters sponsored this.

John took much pride in his Scottish heritage instilled in him by his parents. He had such love for his siblings and the families they created. John’s wife and children and his grandchildren were his pride and joy. John raised his family on Homestead Avenue where the neighbors and their children became family. He will be deeply missed by them and countless others who have cherished memories of him.

John is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Patricia Ann (Cousineau) Munro; two daughters, Judy Nadler and her husband David of South Hadley and Christine Munro of Holyoke; three grandchildren: Lilly, Connor, and Mackenzie, as well as many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, John was predeceased by his brother William Munro and wife Genevive, sisters Frances Hyland and husband Tom, Sarah (Sadie) Couture and husband Herve, and Jean Lempke and husband George.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial for John on Wednesday, October 27 at 9:30 am at Blessed Sacrament Church, 1945 Northampton Street. Committal and military honors will follow at 11:00 am in the Chapel of the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 1390 Main Street, Agawam. Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, October 26 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at the Barry J. Farrell Funeral Home, 2049 Northampton Street. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Margaret’s Pantry, c/o Providence Ministries, 51 Hamilton St., Holyoke, MA 01040.

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