John W. Alley ’73

John W. Alley, 70, passed away at home Thursday, November 18, 2021, with his loving wife and daughter by his side. He was born May 17, 1951, in Jonesport, Maine, to Ernestine (Bryant) and Leo Alley. John married his high school sweetheart, Laura (Pratt) in 1972. Together they had two children, Todd Michael Alley and Tricia Lynn Alley.
John attended school in Jonesport and graduated in the first graduating class from Jonesport-Beals High School in 1969. After high school, John went on to further his education at Maine Maritime Academy in Castine where he earned his degree in 1973 in Marine Engineering.
After graduation from Maine Maritime, John went to work at Electric Boat in Groton, Connecticut but soon decided he wanted to sail. He then went to work as an engineer on tugboats and worked his way up to being a chief engineer. In his 43 years of merchant marine life, John worked for IOTC (Interstate Ocean Transport Co.), Sonat Marine, Maritrans, K-Sea Towing, and Kirby before his retirement in November 2016. John loved his maritime life working on the Patriot, the Java Sea and the Mediterranean Sea over the years and made many good friends while out to sea!
After John retired from his many years of shipping, he returned home to 26 Trynor Square in Jonesport, and his family full time. He spent his retirement following adventures of his grandchildren, attending music festivals with Laura, Tricia and Jim, and watching multiple sporting events on TV and in person, especially Todd’s soccer boys (and girls) at JBHS. John was always extremely proud of his family and all that they accomplished along the way. He enjoyed his time with family talking sports and current events and especially loved to aggravate and then sit back and grin.
John leaves behind his loving wife, Laura; his daughter, Tricia and son-in-law, Jimmie Neal; daughter-in-law Sandy (Farnsworth) Alley; two grandchildren, Travis Dwayne and Bayleigh Elizabeth, who always made Grampie Johnny proud; a special niece who was like another daughter, Amy, who Uncle Johnny always loving referred to as “Amos Moses;” her husband, Shane; and son, Evan.
John is also survived by his siblings, Carla Lougee of Vallejo, CA, Julian “Dusty” (Mary) Alley of Addison, Cynthia (Dale) Kenney of Winterport, Dean (Teresa) Alley of Jonesport, Teressa (Phillip) Cultrera of Prospect Harbor, Jimmie Alley of Jonesport, and Tammy (Bruce) King of Sanford; and many nieces and nephews. “Chief” will also be remembered by close friends and co-workers, Anthony Martin from Grantham, NC, and Ben Woods from Berwick; and very special neighbors, Bobbi Jo Dame, who Johnny loving referred to as “my Bob” and her husband, Roger, who John loved like his own children.
John was predeceased by his beloved son and best friend, Todd Michael Alley on September 16, 2021. He was also predeceased by his brothers, Dwayne; and baby brother, Joey; parents, Ernestine and Leo; in-laws, Frances and Malcolm Pratt; and a close friend and co-worker, George Marshall from Raleigh NC.
At John’s request, there will be no funeral services. Condolences and memories may be shared at mcclurefamilyfuneral.com