MOONEY, John

The Arizona Republic, Phoenix, Arizona Tuesday, April 1, 2003 John Mooney, actor and singer, passed away at the Highland Manor Nursing Home in Phoenix March 30. Born in Carrick-on-Suir, Co. Tipperary, Ireland, Nov. 8, 1919. John's ambition was to travel the world, which he did. As a lad, he bicycled the boreen in Ireland delivering milk which developed his legs that served him well as an expert mountain climber. His travels took him first to London during the war where he served in the St. John's Ambulance Corps, and where he studied voice and became acquainted with Ivor Novello and other well known singers and actors of the time. As an ardent admirer of John McCormack, he could sometimes double as the famous Irish Tenor, then off to Durban, South Africa, Perth, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane where he pursued his singing and acting career, specifically with Elizabethan Trust in the Outback. In 1965, off to Hollywood where he became a member of the Screen Actors Guild as well as the Painters Union, and worked in the Studios until a stroke forced his retirement in 1981. John is survived by his wife, Patsy Kendig Mooney whom he met while the two auditioned for an Irish play at their Church. He is also survived by five nieces and two nephews, all of Ireland or England. Visitation 6:30-8:30 P.M. Wednesday, April 2, 2003, with a 7:00 P.M. Rosary, at Whitney & Murphy Arcadia Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Rd. Funeral Mass 10:00 A.M. Thursday, April 3, 2003, at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 2312 East Campbell, with interment at St. Francis Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Motion Picture Industry Pension and Health Plans, P.O. Box 1999, Studio City, CA 91614-0999. Courtesy of Pat Wilson.