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James Queeny Obituary

James F. Queeny DUXBURY, MA - James F. Queeny of Duxbury died peacefully at his home in Duxbury, MA on January 3, 2015 surrounded by his loving wife of 71 years and his 5 children and grandchildren. He was 94 years old. Born in Quincy, MA on January 30, 1920, Mr. Queeny was the son of James F. Queeny and Caroline A. Queeny. He was a graduate of Thayer Academy and attended Colgate University prior to his enlistment in the United States Naval Reserve. On May 15, 1943, Mr. Queeny married his wife, the former Charlotte H. Fitzpatrick. During World War II, Lieutenant Queeny served as Executive Officer aboard PT 508 and saw action in both the Atlantic and Pacific Theaters. Mr. Queeny participated in the invasion of Normandy and subsequent combat operations in the Channel Islands, and then in the Pacific Theater in the Philippine Islands. Following the war, Mr. Queeny continued his studies at Harvard College. He graduated with the Class of 1947. His mentor was Harvard Professor and US Naval Historian, Rear Admiral Samuel Eliot Morison, who included Mr. Queeny's report of operations, "The Far Shore," in his book, "The Invasion of France and Germany," which was part of the Official Naval History of World War II. In 1948, Mr. Queeny received his Master's Degree from Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland. Subsequently, he served as a Naval Intelligence Officer at the Pentagon before moving his family to Duxbury, MA in 1952. During the following 32 years, Mr. Queeny taught in the Duxbury Schools. He is remembered by his former students and colleagues as a compassionate and guiding gentleman of scholarship. Mr. Queeny was a visible and active member of the Duxbury community, serving as Trustee of the Duxbury Free Library and Co-Chairman of the town's Bicentennial Committee. He was a member of the Duxbury Rural & Historical Society, Duxbury Frostbite Society, Duxbury Wharf Rats, and Ex-Navos. Mr. Queeny was an honorary member of the Duxbury Yacht Club, where he was sailing master and a member of the race committee for over 50 years. James is survived by his wife, Charlotte H. Queeny of Duxbury, his daughter, Charlotte Q. Vena and her husband Edward F. Vena of Duxbury, his son, James F. Queeny III of Duxbury, daughter, Elizabeth A. Queeny of Duxbury, daughter, Suzanne L. Ragsdale and her husband T. Smith Ragsdale of Georgetown SC, and daughter, Caroline M. Queeny of Chatham. James was the loving grandfather of Elizabeth R. Vena of Boston, Edward F. Vena and his wife Jeanette Mundt of Brooklyn, NY, Hart Peary and her husband Scott J. Peary of Arlington VA, Warner G. Queeny of Boston, Caroline M. Queeny of Medford, Caroline T. Russo of Kittery ME, Samuel M. Little and Baldwin M. Little of Charleston SC. He is also survived by one great-grandson, Charles R. Peary. A memorial celebration of Mr. Queeny's life will be held at a later date. Donations in his memory may be made to the Duxbury Bay Maritime School, 457 Washington Street, Duxbury, MA 02332 or to Cranberry Area Hospice, 36 Cordage Park Circle, Suite 326, Plymouth MA 02360. For online guestbook, please visit our website, macdonaldfuneralhome.com. Visit our guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/ charleston

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Charleston Post & Courier from Jan. 5 to Jan. 6, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for James Queeny

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Peter Mugford

January 31, 2015

I am sorry to hear Mr. Queeny has passed. I never had him as a teacher, but remember him well as being a very nice, caring man.RIP Mr. Queeny.You will be missed and made a big difference in a lot of lives.

andrew alexandre

January 29, 2015

My condolences to the entire family. I was fortunate to have Mr. Queens as a teacher and fondly remember his sage advice. He ran a tight ship in a compassionate manner. Truly a great man!

Gayle southard

January 29, 2015

A wonderful teacher. Sorry to hear of your passing. Blessings to your family

Kathy Peck

January 29, 2015

My deepest sympathies.

Francis Wyman

January 18, 2015

My deepest sympathies to the Queeny family. I did not have Mr. Queeny as a teacher, but I have vivid memories of him walking the hallways, decked as he was in a tweed coat or blue blazer and bow tie. He struck me as a kind and caring person. A true gentleman.
My impression was confirmed in the late 1980s when to support my dissertation research in history, I worked for a local landscaper. Nearly every Friday morning, from April through October, I cut the Queeny lawn. My task was lightened and made thoroughly pleasurable by the warm and generous advice and encouragement that Mr. Queeny gave me. He took an intense interest in my research on the Second World War and the “German Problem,” We discussed historians that we liked (Admiral Sam Morrison was at the top of both of our lists; we both loved Ken Burns's Civil War) and those we did not hold in high regard. We were awed by the sudden collapse of the Soviet Union and the reemergence of an independent Eastern Europe. We discussed the significance of this seismic event and whether history was a useful guide to understanding the future course of developments in the area. Our conversations were never as long as I think we both wanted (I did have to cut the lawn) and our time together was too brief (I married and moved to Boston), but I'll never forget the time that I spent with this remarkable person man, a true gentleman, in a world in desperate need of more like him.

January 18, 2015

My deepest sympathies to the Queeny family. I did not have Mr. Queeny as a teacher, but I have vivid memories of him walking the hallways, decked as he was in a tweed coat or blue blazer and bow tie. He struck me as a kind and caring person. A true gentleman.
My impression was confirmed in the late 1980s when to support my dissertation research in history, I worked for a local landscaper. Nearly every Friday morning, from April through October, I cut the Queeny lawn. My task was lightened and made thoroughly pleasurable by the warm and generous advice and encouragement that Mr. Queeny gave me. He took an intense interest in my research on the Second World War and the “German Problem,” We discussed historians that we liked (Admiral Sam Morrison was at the top of both of our lists; we both loved Ken Burns's Civil War) and those we did not hold in high regard. We were awed by the sudden collapse of the Soviet Union and the reemergence of an independent Eastern Europe. We discussed the significance of this seismic event and whether history was a useful guide to understanding the future course of developments in the area. Our conversations were never as long as I think we both wanted (I did have to cut the lawn) and our time together was too brief (I married and moved to Boston), but I'll never forget the time that I spent with this remarkable person man, a true gentleman, in a world in desperate need of more like him.

Francis "Scott" Wyman
Boston College

January 13, 2015

In 1955 I spent the sixth grade with Mr. Queeny (I and my twin brother David). We hadn't been in the same class since first grade because we laughed too much together. By the sixth grade we were much better, but not perfect. I still have my report card from Mr. Queeny's class. He never said one negative thing about me, though. Only things I know were true - about how I daydreamed and lacked confidence. He certainly did know me! Beyond that he was wonderfully encouraging, I'd say the most encouraging teacher I ever had. What a good teacher he was! We were so lucky we had him. My very best to all his family.
Meg Cutler Chandler

Mary Emerson-Smith

January 13, 2015

Brian Jones and I had the most wonderful visit with "Mr Queeny" this summer. He was our sixth grade teacher in 1956 and a truly memorable one. His keen intellect and sense of humor were still vivid at the age of 94; his memory of former students quite remarkable. My deepest condolences to his family.

J C Guerrero

January 11, 2015

From far away, I extend my condolences to the whole Queeny Family ... certain that your Father had a worth living long fulfilling life!

sheri randall mcdougall

January 8, 2015

So sorry for your loss. I will always remember his beautiful smile at school.

January 8, 2015

Love and sympathy to all the Queeny's. He was a brilliant father and husband of that I am certain. Cadgie Houghton

Greg Chandler

January 8, 2015

I am amazed at how such an honored man would actually become a teacher. Mr Queeney was my fourth grade teacher in the old High School current Library. He was one of my favorites ever though I am sure I was not one of his. Everyone loved him. Sorry for your loss. God Bless.

Tom LaLiberte

January 7, 2015

I was so fortunate to work with Jim as a young teacher. His classy zest for life and good humor, as well as his gracefulness in his senior years will always be remembered.

Ann Collins

January 7, 2015

It was with sadness that I read the message from Bill that Jim had passed away. He was a special person to me and my Mother and Father. My deepest sympathies to you, Charlotte, and your entire family. He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him. Love and sympathy to you all, Ann Collins

Paul Quin

January 6, 2015

Charlotte:
Prayers and thoughts be with you and your family. Jim was a wonderful man and a very giving person. He will be missed by many!

John Morin

January 6, 2015

My deepest Sympathies to Charlotte and Family and to my good friend Ed. Take some joy in a long life well lived. Kind personal regards, John Morin and Sally Tuck

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