John Paul Cloherty, at 72

John Paul Cloherty died on Thursday, November 6, 2025 in Boston. Son of the late Helen (Cahill) Cloherty and William C. Cloherty, John Paul was predeceased by his eldest brother William (Bill) and elder sister, Diane Holst, as well as his sister-in-law Cynthia (Close) Cloherty. He is survived by four siblings: brother James and sister-in-law Donna Cloherty of Scituate, Dennis Cloherty and his partner Kevin Miller of Wakefield, Mary Ann Cloherty and brother-in-law Daniel Ciccariello of Hull, and Brian Cloherty of Northfield, Minnesota, as well as his sister-in-law Margaret (Peggy) Cloherty of Bethesda, Maryland, and an abundance of many beloved nieces and nephews.

A 1972 graduate of Hull High School, John traveled extensively after graduation with some of his siblings. There was a summer of European travel, multiple road trips with his brothers to Mexico, the West Coast, ski slopes, and wherever John and his fellow merry travelers were drawn to.

Settling down in Boston, John began a decades-long career in helping others travel. The Green Cab in Somerville found John often picking up business, academic, or tourist passengers going to and from the famous universities, hospitals, and churches for which the area is so well known. Often, he would encourage new visitors to Boston to seek out other lesser-known, but still historically relevant Revolutionary War sites, such as Powder House Square and/or the birth of the abolitionist anti-slavery movement, African Meeting House on Beacon Hill known as the Black Faneuil Hall. Freedom was a very relevant word in John’s life. Transportation times changed, and John kept up with those and moved into the entrepreneurial industries Uber and Lyft.

A proud working man, John often worked long hours. When not working, John’s interests were history, music, nature, bicycles, boats, and always – people. He helped selflessly and often anonymously. He will be remembered always and missed by all who know him. Childhood friends nicknamed him “The Professor” as well as “Witmore” later simply streamlined to “Wit.” In the Celtic oral tradition, John was a natural storyteller. The Grateful Dead’s 1969 song, “Uncle John’s Band,” epitomizes John Paul Cloherty:

“It’s the same story the crow told me, it’s the only one he knows

Like the morning sun you come and like the wind you go

Ain’t no time to hate, barely time to wait

Wo-oh, what I want to know, where does the time go?”

In remembrance of John Paul Cloherty donations may be made to caritascommuntities.org

A celebration of John Paul Cloherty will be held in Hull Village in the spring of 2026, with advance notices appearing in The Hull Times.