Francis J. Mooney Jr.

AUBURN – Francis J. Mooney Jr., known as “Dee”, 94, passed away peacefully July 28, 2023, with his family by his side at Hospice House in Auburn, Maine.

He was born Oct. 13, 1928, in Worcester, Mass., and graduated from Edward Little High School in 1946. Dee served in the U.S. Army during World War II and later went on to earn his accountants degree form Bentley College. In June 1952 he married the love of his life Joan Conway Mooney. From the 1940s to 1988 he owned and operated “MOONEY’S” Chainsaw. Upon retiring from MOONEY’S he worked for the Auburn School Department for 10-plus years driving a school bus. He still talked about his time busing kids to games and school.

After leaving the school department he and his wife Joan spent many enjoyable winters in Winter Haven, Florida. Dee was a member of Tranquille Lodge and Kora Shrine. He was very active in his time with Kora serving as a Potentates Aide and working with the circus committee which he at one time chaired. Dee and Joan loved to spend their time with their life long friends John and Bev Preble and family, traveling, camping, fishing, shrine trips and RV’ing, culminating with a summer long RV trip to Alaska. Dee was an avid fisherman and for many years traveled to Camp Chambeaux in Labrador, Newfoundland, or flying his float plane to Kennebago for the day just to fish. He instilled that love of fishing with his son John and grandson Bryan. Dee often said “I have been blessed and was able to do all the things I ever wanted to do in life.” One of those things was his love of (and dream as a kid) to be a pilot. He earned his pilots license and owned his own float plane. He would often be seen spending his time hanging out at Twitchell’s Airport or flying his float plane to his camp on Tripp Lake. Most of all he loved his wife Joan and his family and always made providing for them his priority.

He was predeceased by his parents, Francis J. Mooney and Gladys Carter Mooney. A brother Richard Mooney. In-laws George and Cecile Conway.

He is survived by his wife of 71 years Joan Conway Mooney. Children: Katharine Mooney-Thayer (Robert), Carol Mooney Miller (James), Mary M Ritchie (Michael), and John Conway Mooney (Maureen).

Grandchildren: Katie Gatchell-Asselin (Coby), Rebecca Belleau (Jamie), Michelle M. Ritchie, Mauri Miller Dufour (Jay), James (Joey) Miller (Kristen), Nicole Ritchie (Chris Bain), Bryan Mooney (Kristin), Benjamin Mooney (Kristi). Great-grandchildren: Kirsten Lupher, Jacob Lupher, Cassie Asselin, Camren Dufour, Conner Dufour, Elyse Miller, James Belleau II, Michael Belleau, Anna Belleau, Elizabeth Belleau, Alison Porter, Alexander Porter, Grace Porter, Thomas Cooper, Reese Ritchie, Gabriel Ritchie Bain, Emma Mooney, Sydney Mooney, Gavin Mooney, John P. Mooney and Matthew Mooney.

A visitation at The Fortin Group in Auburn for Francis will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2023 from 10-11 a.m. A brief memorial service will occur on Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2023 at 11 a.m., followed by Military Honors at Highland Cemetery.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at http://www.thefortingroupauburn.com for the Mooney Jr. family.

Arrangements are under the care of The Fortin Group Funeral Home | 217 Turner Street Auburn, ME 04210 | (207) 783-8545.