John J. McNamara, also known lovingly to many as Chief Mac, Johnny Mac, and Uncle John, passed away Wednesday September 18, 2019 at Tufts Medical Center in Boston at the age of 76.

Born in Acushnet, he was the son of the late Nora (O'Brien) and Stephen McNamara. He was also the husband of the late Elaine McNamara, with whom he shared three children. He was an avid bowler, enjoyed making puzzles and watching the Red Sox and Patriots.

In his earlier years he worked for Dr. E. Deane Freitas as a veterinary technician. He joined the Dartmouth Fire District 3 as a call man on January 1, 1968. He was then elected Chief in 1981, and became full time Chief on July 1, 1987. He retired in 2005. He was also a member of the Prudential Committee and the Bristol County Retired Fire Chiefs Association.

He is survived by his wife Karen and their son Jeremy and girlfriend Rachel, his daughter, Erin Marie McNamara, his sons, Garth and fiancée Melanie, and Seth and his wife Erin Rae, all of North Dartmouth, his grandchildren, Cameron, Jocelyn, Makayla, Blake, and Madison, his great-grandchildren, Avian and Aveaha Relvinha, and Elliana McNamara, his brother, Stephen McNamara and wife Pat of Acushnet, his niece, Kerrie McNamara and his nephews, Stephen McNamara and Garret and Grayden Costa.

He was one of a kind and will be deeply missed by all.

His funeral will be held on Wednesday September 25 at 9 a.m. from the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford, followed by his funeral mass at St. Lawrence Church at 10 a.m. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery. Visiting hours will be on Tuesday September 24 from 2-8 p.m.
For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.