John V. Gookin

John Vincent Gookin, age 91, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 24, 2022. Born in Boston, Massachusetts on April 19, 1930, he was the son of the late Thomas L. and Esther (Kerrigan) Gookin. He was raised in West Roxbury, Massachusetts. After high school, John proudly served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War, stationed in Anchorage, Alaska, He was honorably discharged on March 20, 1952, returning to his hometown of West Roxbury.

John took a position with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Corrections, working in the Walpole State Prison where he worked for several years before retiring after being injured in the Prison Riot of 1959. After working many years at Polaroid, John joined Kiessling Transit Inc. where he found his greatest joy in transporting children with special needs to and from school and activities. John’s bus was always filled with happy, singing children upon arrival to any destination.

John married his beloved wife Margaret (Peggy) Gookin. They made their home together in Sharon for almost 20 years before moving to Walpole.

Throughout his life, John loved music, regularly playing his guitar and singing at the Echo Lounge in Walpole and at social events, earning him the nickname “Johnny Guitar”. He enjoyed traveling, taking frequent trips to Las Vegas and Florida. John enjoyed visiting Castle Island in South Boston and was an avid fan of the Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots.

But what John will be most remembered for is his quick wit, his ability to make people smile with his humor and how much he cared for others. He always put other people first. John never looked to be celebrated. He was a humble hero making this world a better place through kindness.   

Beloved husband of Peggy Gookin. Loving father of Ronald Gookin, Terresa (Terri) Gookin, Lorrie Gookin, Daniel Gookin and his wife Kellie, and loving stepfather of John Liberatore and the late Michael Liberatore. Cherished grandfather of Kimberly Slagle (Gookin) and her husband Justin and great grandfather of Hailey and Ben Slagle.

Predeceased by his siblings Thomas Gookin, Ruth Casadevall (Gookin), Dorothy Feldman (Gookin), Esther Baker (Gookin), Mary Burt (Gookin), James Gookin, Vincent Gookin and Esther Warren (Gookin).

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend John's Life Celebration on Friday, March 4, 2022 from 10:00am to 11:00am at James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole, Massachusetts directly followed by interment in Saint Frances Cemetery in Walpole.