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: Louis G. Virgadamo

Louis G Virgadamo, Jr, 88, of Portsmouth, July 17, 1937 – April 26, 2026. Another precious child of God has returned to the Kingdom of Heaven. My beloved father has returned home after his valiant battle with dementia. Born in Boston, MA he was a lifelong Rhode Islander, living in Newport and later in Portsmouth.…

Obituary: Robert C. Kestler

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Robert C. Kestler, beloved father, grandfather, brother and friend, who left us too soon on April 25, 2026 at the age of 61. Born on August 14, 1964, Robert lived a life defined by love of family, loyal friendship, faith, and dedicated service. Bob…

Obituary: Carolyn Lois Turner

Carolyn Lois Turner, 91, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of April 19, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Born on May 15, 1934, in Fall River, Massachusetts, Carolyn was the daughter of the late Harold Hallam Turner, Sr., and Lillian Elizabeth Alsop Mowbray Turner. Carolyn was raised in Fall River and Tiverton,…

Obituary: Brigid M. Walsh

Brigid M. Walsh of Portsmouth, RI, departed this life on April 21, 2026, at the age of 80. Brigid was born on July 21,1945, in Ireland and came to the United States at the age of 23. She was the youngest of eleven children and, true to her Irish heritage, embodied a unique blend of…

Obituary: Stanley E. Raymond

Stanley “Stan” Eugene Raymond, 74, passed away peacefully on April 18, 2026, in Bristol, Rhode Island, surrounded by his loving family. Stan was born on December 17, 1951, in Pittsburg, California, and lived a life defined by hard work, wit, and a deep devotion to his family. He proudly served his country in the United…

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.