Francis C. Moynihan Jr.

Peacefully, with his loved ones by his side, Francis “Bud” Moynihan passed away at the Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers after a long and courageous battle with COPD.

Born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Bud spent his early years in Medford and Somerville before moving to Winchester, where he spent his formative years and much of his early adult life. As a young man, he served as an altar boy at St. Mary’s Parish Church where parishioners were treated to his beautiful singing voice, most notably in solo performances and at Christmas Mass. He graduated from Winchester High School in 1958, where he was voted “Most Attractive Voice” and enjoyed Vaudeville, as well as running cross country, track and field. He also attended Merrimack College.

Remembered by one of his high school classmates as “ambitious,” Bud developed a strong work ethic at an early age, delivering newspapers and mowing lawns throughout his youth. As a teenager, he worked at First National grocery store, earning the spending money he looked forward to using on Saturday night dates. Even then, his love of automobiles was unmistakable. Before heading out for an evening on the town, he always made time to shine his car and ensure the whitewall tires were spotless, a reflection of the pride, attention to detail, and sense of style that would remain with him throughout his life.

In 1971, Bud married Elaine (Kassotis) Moynihan, and together they created a lifetime of family memories. Among their happiest times were weekends spent at Pine Acres Campground in Raymond, New Hampshire, and then Baxter Lake in Rochester, New Hampshire where family, laughter, and simple pleasures became treasured traditions.

Above all else, Bud was a devoted father to Stephanie Derocher and her husband Dave, and Jacqueline Riddle and her husband Michael. He was a proud and loving Dadou to his cherished grandchildren, David, Mitchell, Victoria, Alexander, and Michael, each of whom brought immeasurable joy to his life. He was also the beloved brother of Madelyne Gallagher, Joyce Bradley and her husband Paul, and Kathleen Wiseman, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Francis C. Moynihan and Madelyne (Perry) Moynihan; brothers-in-law, William Gallagher and William Wiseman; and his beloved cat, Dizzy.

As a young man, Bud proudly served in the Massachusetts National Guard, an experience that reflected his commitment to service and helped shape the work ethic, discipline, and dependability for which he would later be known. A skilled craftsman and hardworking entrepreneur, Bud began his career at Danvers Auto Body before realizing his dream of owning his own business. He went on to open and operate Heritage Auto Body in Salem for more than twenty years. Through his talent, honesty, and dedication, he built lasting

relationships with coworkers and customers alike, many of whom became like family. A lifelong automobile enthusiast, he took great pride in his prized 1976 El Camino, a reflection of both his passion for cars and his appreciation for expert craftsmanship. His daughters also benefited from his talent for restoring and caring for automobiles, and each vehicle he gifted them was a labor of love.

Bud’s talents extended far beyond the garage. Even before discovering his passion for auto body work, his artistic abilities were evident. In his youth, he was an accomplished sketch artist who filled pages with carefully detailed drawings of classic hot rods and portraits of family members, capturing not only their likenesses but also the affection he felt for them. The same patience, precision, and creativity that appeared in those early drawings would later define his work as a craftsman. Blessed with a beautiful singing voice, he could often be persuaded to perform for family and friends. Those fortunate enough to hear him sing marveled at his rich baritone renditions of Danny Boy and Sixteen Tons. His daughters especially treasured hearing him sing Daddy’s Little Girl, a song that perfectly reflected the deep love he held for them.

An avid reader and talented Sudoku enthusiast, Bud loved keeping both his mind and imagination active. One of his favorite places to relax with a good book was John George Park in Danvers. There, he became a familiar face not only to fellow visitors but also to the many dogs who frequented the park. Bud always kept Milk-Bone biscuits in his car, making fast friends with nearly every dog he met and, just as often, their owners as well. He also enjoyed watching Family Feud and had a knack for coming up with the winning answers before the contestants did, a skill that never failed to impress those watching alongside him.

Known for his warmth, charm, and easygoing nature, Bud had a gift for making people feel welcome. His beloved Aunt Louise often joked about his appreciation for the ladies, teasing him by saying, “You’re like God, Bud! You love them all!” The remark always brought laughter and perfectly captured his friendly spirit and genuine affection for others. He was equally known for his sense of humor. Whether sharing one of his truly good jokes or retelling a favorite story for the tenth time, Bud always managed to bring smiles to those around him. Family and friends often heard the same punchlines more than once over the years, but somehow they never seemed to tire of them. In fact, they were often the very people asking him to tell them again. In addition to his kindness toward those around him, he was quietly generous to those he would never meet. Throughout his retirement years, despite living on a modest Social Security income, he faithfully donated to numerous charitable organizations, believing there was always someone else who could benefit from a helping hand.

In recent years, some of Bud’s greatest happiness came from life’s simplest pleasures. He loved riding shotgun with his daughters, sipping a butter pecan iced coffee from Dunkin’, and taking leisurely drives through the neighborhoods of the North Shore. These outings were less about the destination and more about the companionship, conversation, and connection he cherished so deeply.

Bud was also blessed with a special bond with the Belgiorno family, who welcomed him as one of their own. Over the years, he shared countless holidays, celebrations, and treasured memories with them, and their relationship became one of love, loyalty, and family in every sense of the word. He was equally fortunate to be surrounded by many devoted friends and caregivers whose companionship, kindness, and support enriched his life, particularly in his later years.

It would be difficult to find anyone who knew Bud and did not walk away better for it. He will be remembered for his unwavering devotion to family, generous heart, remarkable work ethic, beautiful voice, quick wit, and gift for making lifelong friends wherever he went. Whether through a shared laugh, a thoughtful conversation, or simply his steady presence, he left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him. Though he will be deeply missed, his memory will live on in the stories, songs, laughter, and love he shared with all who knew him.

May he rest in peace.

The family invites all who knew and loved Bud, or whose lives were touched by his kindness, friendship, and generosity, to join them for a Celebration of Life on September 19 from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Franco-American Club, 44 Park Street, Beverly, MA.

In lieu of flowers, donations toward a memorial bench in honor of Bud at John L. George Park in Danvers would be greatly appreciated. Those wishing to contribute may do so via Venmo:@sderocher. Thank you for helping create a lasting tribute to his memory. Any funds received over and above the cost of the bench ($2500) will be donated to his favorite charities.