John F. Mulqueen, 94, of Holden, formerly of Gardner, died peacefully on Sunday, March 22, 2026, at his home, surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Gardner on July 10, 1931, he was the son of the late John C. and Laura (Snow) Mulqueen. John was a proud graduate of Gardner High School, Class of 1949, and later attended Worcester Trade School to study machinist work.

He was a proud United States Army veteran of the Korean War, serving from 1952 to 1954, and was awarded the Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and the Meritorious Unit Commendation.

Following his military service, John worked at iTech in Boston, contributing for two years to precision machinery integral to the United States space program.

He was always drawn to the sound of the fire alarm. Following that calling, he left iTech and began a long and devoted career with the City of Gardner Fire Department, serving as a firefighter for 34 years in a profession he truly loved. John was an active and devoted member of his community. He was a member of the Gardner Lions Club, where he served as treasurer and was awarded the prestigious Melvin Jones Fellowship recognizing exceptional humanitarian service, leadership, and community impact. John was a member of the Ovila Case VFW Post 905 of Gardner, where he proudly served on the honor guard, and the American Legion Post 129 of Gardner.

He enjoyed staying active, whether tending to his yard or working around the house. Above all, John's greatest joy was his family, and he cherished the many memories, laughter, and love they shared over the years. With an easy manner and gift for conversation, he formed many lasting friendships within the community.

John was a life-long member of the Catholic Church in Gardner beginning with the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish and most recently the Annunciation Parish attending the Holy Spirit Chapel.

John is survived by his two sons, Dr. Jeffrey J. Mulqueen and his wife, Judy, of Seal Beach, California, and Dr. John F. Mulqueen Jr. and his wife, Paula, of Holden, MA; his daughter, Patricia A. Mulqueen and her partner, Christopher Roberge, of Deerfield, New Hampshire; and his son-in-law, Dr. Vito Iacoviello of East Falmouth. Additional family includes his grandchildren, Kyle, Ryan, and Sean Mulqueen, Christopher Mulqueen and his wife, Brittany, Conor Mulqueen, Sonita Dorcena and her husband, Scheller Lafleur, Ann-Marie and Marissa Iacoviello, and Gina Rua and her husband, Jonathan, and Matthew Ogden and his wife, Jessica; his four great-grandchildren, Mia, Caden, Nathan, and Aiden John; his brother, Richard Mulqueen of Winter Haven, Florida; as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 56 years, Janet A. (Miller) Mulqueen, who died in 2012, and by his daughter, Nancy Iacoviello, who died in 2002.

A brief period of visitation will be held on Thursday, April 2, 2026, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Boucher Funeral Home, Inc., 110 Nichols Street, Gardner, MA. A funeral service will follow at 12:00 p.m. in the funeral home. Burial with Military Honors at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 111 Glenallen Street, Winchendon, MA, will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to Gardner Fire Department Gift Account, 70 City Hall Avenue, Gardner, MA 01440. Please reference in memory of John F. Mulqueen.