Middletown, RI -John J Moriarty, 87, of Middletown, Rhode Island, passed away on Sunday, June 25, 2023 peacefully at home surrounded by his family.

Born in Newport, RI on August 19, 1935, He was the son of the late John and Louise (Soares) Moriarty.

John grew up in Newport and was a standout athlete at Rogers High School. He was the captain of the track team and won the state championship in cross country. He soon began a career at Raytheon that spanned the next 35 years, starting at the former Connell Highway location. In retirement he enjoyed meeting people and finding adventure. He drove school busses in Portsmouth, cabs for Orange Cab, and more than anything, he followed his adventurous curiosity with his companion Donna. Together they traveled the world, visiting nearly every National Park, nearly every European country, the Caribbean, Alaska and everywhere in between. If you could ever find John sitting still, which was rare, he might be enjoying a good book or catching up with friends at the Newport Elks.

John is survived by his children and step children; Kimberly Burke and Elizabeth Bowley both of Portsmouth, Krista Ceres, Daniel Moriarty, and Sara Clayton all of Middletown, and Jeff Spring of Arkansas. He also leaves his siblings, William Moriarty of Newport, Jeremiah Moriarty of Portsmouth and Ellen Cannon of California. He also leaves 16 beloved Grandchildren and 12 Great-Grandchildren.

John is preceded in death by his first wife, Barbara (Scally) Moriarty, his companion of 27 years, Donna Clayton, his son James Moriarty, and his parents.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, June 30 at 10:00am in St. Lucy’s Church, 909 West Main Road, Middletown. Burial will follow at St. Columba Catholic Cemetery.

Donations in his memory may be made to VNS Home and Hospice 1182 East Main Road, Portsmouth, RI 02871 or St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. John’s family would like to extend their thanks to VNS Home and Hospice and the Middletown Fire Department for the care and attention they provided the family over the last several months.

Online Tribute at www.memorialfuneralhome.com

More local obituaries

Obituary: Michele Ellen Anderson

Some people have a remarkable way of making others feel special, remembered, and genuinely loved. Michele Ellen Anderson was one of those people. Whether you were family, a lifelong friend, a colleague, or someone she had only just met, Michele had a gift for finding a connection and making it meaningful. Michele passed away unexpectedly…

Obituary: Edward Wayne Figueira

Edward Wayne Figueira II, a lifelong resident of Portsmouth, Rhode Island, passed away unexpectedly on October 10, 2026, at the age of 48, just 11 days shy of his 49th birthday, following a sudden cardiac event. Though his passing was sudden, he was surrounded by his family and the music he loved. He leaves behind…

Obituary: Dr. Christopher M. Erstling

Dr. Christopher Michael Erstling, born November 1, 1947, in New York City, died October 9, 2026 at the John Clarke Nursing Center in Middletown, RI. Chris leaves behind his devoted wife Dr. Susan Erstling of Newport, RI, loving daughters Emily Erstling of New York City and Kate Erstling of Hampton Falls, NH, and son-in-law Timothy…

Obituary: Jane Teresa Lauth

Jane T. (Lopes) Lauth 68, of Tiverton, Rhode Island, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, August 18th, 2026, at Saint Anne’s Hospital after a brief illness with her children by her side. She was born in Newport, Rhode Island, on September 28th, 1957, the daughter of the late Roland A. Lopes and the late Patricia (Biastre) Lopes.…

Obituary: Robert M. Gray

Robert M. Gray, 81, of Middletown, Rhode Island, died at home on October 2, 2026. Born in Palmerton, PA on June 25, 1945, he was the son of the late Martin and Louise (Coury) Gray. Bob grew up in Lansford, PA and graduated from Marian High School, Carbon County, PA, in 1963. Eager to see…

Something went wrong. Please refresh the page and/or try again.

This obituary was originally published by Memorial Funeral Home on www.memorialfuneralhome.com. It has been republished here with permission and at no cost.