John F. Golden III

He attended Boston College 1963, BC High 1959– self proclaimed “Double Eagle”. John Golden took his last swing and then let go, passing away of natural causes on a sunny South Florida golf course among friends. As he would often say, “when it’s time, it’s time.”

Throughout his full and animated life, he acquired numerous nicknames suitable for the given moment (including, as he would fondly recall, countless expletives inappropriate for this tribute, but noteworthy nonetheless). Let’s remember this man through his various monikers: Johnny G- How most of us knew him, Jackie- by his oldest and dearest friends from BC High and Boston College, Jake- by his siblings from time to time, The Big Bopper- for his unique and varied renditions of “Chantilly Lace” at so many weddings and celebrations, The Ostrich- by JR and his somewhat deviant crew for the animal spirit most suited to his physical proportions (alongside two other dads dubbed the Toad and the Gerbil),

The King- with a tinfoil crown made by his “Court Jester” and nephew Paulie on one of our family’s blowout Christmas Eve gatherings, The Commodore- who gladly wore the captain’s hat but never actually sailed a boat, Dancing Bear- who claimed he had “more moves than…” (fill in the blank, it may have been stated), Mr. Braggodocio- by his mother-in-law, with whom he later ingratiate himself, ultimately having succeeded in “making beautiful babies and being a good provider”, Sipowitz- by his coworkers at AG Edwards, as like the NYPD Blue character, he rocked the short sleeves and tie as his summertime professional wear, Bub- (just kidding, ask his grandson Kevin about his response when a guy made that mistake), Uncle Johnny- beloved by all of his many nieces and nephews, Jackass- by his wife Kay from time to time, always deserved, Dad- to his three children who love and miss him dearly. But of the myriad handles he claimed over the years, the one he cherished most was undoubtedly Pop Pop. He loved each of his seven grandchildren more than life itself.

A character to say the least, no one laughed harder at, or enjoyed more, the ribbing he received from so many… In large part because it was delivered, albeit sarcastically, with joy and love for this larger than life guy. The stories about Johnny G will provide true comedic material for generations to come.

As his siblings can attest, their childhood in Everett, Massachusetts was full of happiness but also deeply affected by loss. His mother suffered a prolonged illness and passed when John was 15, his father struggled in navigating what followed, and ultimately John and his sister Kathy took on far more responsibility for their orphaned younger siblings than any young person should. He was a “survivah” though, along with his siblings, who all went on to great achievements including college and graduate educations, careers, marriages, and families of their own. He was the first to admit he’d fallen down often, but he taught us all to live by Vince Lombardi’s words, “It’s not whether you get knocked down, it’s whether you get up.”

After graduating from Boston College and serving in the Marine Reserves, John enjoyed a successful career in the stock brokerage business, most of which with AG Edwards. He and Kay traveled the globe and made lifelong friendships with colleagues; as a consummate salesman he qualified for fabulous adventures near and far.

He volunteered time, talent and treasure to numerous causes, giving back to institutions to which he owed his success and those serving the less fortunate. The beneficiaries of his volunteerism included the Newton West Little League, Pop Warner football, Corpus Christie Church, and St. Bernards where he and Kay were pre cana leaders for many young adults who had grown up with their own children in Newton, Mass.

The places (beyond local haunts he frequented) where he created and nurtured friendships included the Dennis Yacht Club, Cummaquid CC, West Newton Golf Association (charter member?) Sand Pointe Bay and of course Turtle Creek CC where he swung his final shot.

This past Christmas, John made his last visit to the Chicago area where he and Kay spent quality time with all of their children and grandchildren. It was a gift, and we are forever grateful to have had this time together.

He is survived by wife of 58 years, Kathryn (Gallagher) Golden; a son, John Golden (Mary Beth) and grandsons, Jack, Brendan and Kevin; a daughter, Megan Hobson (Rich) and granddaughters, Clare and Mary; a daughter, Clare Golla (Adam) and granddaughters, Katie and Deedee; sisters, Kathy Delaney (Dick Monheimer), Rosemary Simmons (Fred), and Maureen Dalton (Peter).

He is preceded in death by his brother, Kevin Golden (Marsha).

So, to whichever of these monikers you most fondly remember this man of many seasons, raise a glass. Until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand. Mass will be held on Friday, January 26th at 10:00 am at St. Jude Catholic Church, 204 US-1, Tequesta FL. We will throw a great big celebration of life with family and friends this summer on Cape Cod. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital at stjude.org/give.