John T. "Moke" Scanlon Jr.

October 18, 2009

FALL RIVER – John T. "Moke" Scanlon, Jr., 82 , died Sunday, October 18, 2009, at Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River. Born in Fall River, a son of the late John T. & Eva (Armstrong) Scanlon, Sr., he was the loving husband of Olga L. (Maioli) Scanlon with whom he shared a fifty-two year marriage.

Mr. Scanlon, a graduate of BMC Durfee High School in Fall River, held a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Boston University and completed graduate work at Fresno State College in California. Throughout his professional life, he had a varied career, primarily devoted to education and civic affairs. Through his work in public relations and advertising, he spearheaded many local and regional political campaigns. John began his professional life in Fall River in 1957, as Executive Director of the then thriving Merchants Division of the Greater Fall River Chamber of Commerce. In the 1970s he became active in the Environmental movement, first with Save Our Community and later as Founding Executive Director of Save the Bay, now a major force in the fight to preserve environmental quality in the Narragansett Bay Area.

John founded Scanlon and Associates, a public relations and advertising agency, based in Fall River. He taught and lectured at Somerset High School, Johnson and Wales University, and the University of Massachusetts in Dartmouth. among others, and took great pride in his ability to motivate and challenge his students. Through his work in the Fall River Small Business Development Center, he was able to inspire local businesspeople, and his advice was treasured by many with whom he came in contact. He served as Vice Commodore of the Westport Yacht Club and Board Chair of the Fall River Symphony. He was an active member of Holy Name Church.

John served his country proudly in the U. S. Navy during the latter days of the Second World War and then in the U. S. Army during the Korean conflict. An avid sports fan, John became an esteemed pitcher for the U. S. military teams in Japan, where he was an eternal supporter of the Red Sox, Celtics, Bruins, and Patriots. He was an active member of the Fall River Country Club, where he also served on its Board.

Besides his wife, Mr. Scanlon is survived by his son, John T. Scanlon, III, of Tacoma, WA; a sister, Margaret McCarthy of Westport; a brother, Joseph Scanlon and his wife Jeannine of Tiverton. John is also survived by his brother-in-law, Clinton Waite of Tiverton; sisters-in-law, Mary and Tina Maioli of Medford; and many nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the Late Eva Waite.

Funeral Information

His funeral will be held Monday, October 26, 2009, at 9:00AM from THE HATHAWAY HOME FOR FUNERALS, 1813 Robeson Street, Fall River, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00AM in Holy Name Church, 709 Hanover Street, Fall River, with Interment in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Fall River to follow. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Calling hours will be Sunday, October 25, from 2:00 to 5:00PM in the funeral home. To LIGHT A CANDLE, SIGN THE MEMORIAL REGISTER, consult THE GRIEF LIBRARY, or obtain FACILITY DIRECTIONS, please log on to www.hathawayfunerals.com., or telephone 508/673-0781.

Donations Information

While flowers are welcomed, other contributions in his memory may be made to the Visiting Nurses Association of Southeastern Massachusetts, 502 Bedford St., Fall River, MA 02720; the Hudner Oncology Center, 795 Middle St., Fall River MA 02721; Saint Anne’s Hospital, 795 Middle St., Fall River MA 02721; Charlton Memorial Hospital, 363 Highland Ave., Fall River MA 02720; and/or Save the Bay, in care of the Save the Bay Centre, 100 Save the Bay Drive, Providence, RI 02905. www.savebay.org.