John Philip Moloney of New York City and Southampton Dies November 18

John Philip Moloney of New York City and Southampton died at home in Southampton on November 18, He was 89.

Born in Newport, Rhode Island, on August 25, 1936, he was the son of the late John Philip Moloney and the late Elizabeth “Betty” Devlin Moloney.

He graduated as valedictorian of the class of 1954 at De La Salle Academy in Newport, and from Yale University, Class of 1958, from the Naval Officers Candidate School in Newport. After his initial U.S. Navy assignment aboard the USS Calcaterra, Moloney was reassigned to the Navy Department in Washington, D.C., where he completed his three years of service in the Navy.

Moloney’s early years as a resident of New York City were spent in the world of finance on Wall Street. When the opportunity presented itself, he left the world of finance to pursue his long-held and abiding interest in architecture, art and antiques. As a dealer and appraiser of antiques, he specialized in early American furniture.

As a young boy, he acquired a special interest in the early restoration of colonial houses in Newport. He could be found on his bicycle riding throughout the city, sketching, and questioning restoration specialists and carpenters and generally checking the progress of each restoration project.

As a teenager, he could be found sailing and racing his Candy boat, Dandy Dan, as part of an active and fun group of Tiverton Yacht Club sailors.

Throughout his life, Moloney held a variety of interests. He was an enthusiastic supporter of opera, especially the Metropolitan Opera. He was an inveterate visitor and supporter of art museums. He had a special gift for gardening. He was an avid reader. He began each day with the New York Times crossword puzzle. He enjoyed sailing and traveling throughout Europe and along the East Coast. He was an enormous fan of all things New York City.

Moloney was a former member of the Yale Club of New York and the Metropolitan Opera Guild.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister Elinore Moloney Moran; and brother-in-law, John H. Moran. He is survived by his spouse, Robert W. Taft of New York City and Southampton; his sister Elizabeth “Lee” Moloney of Portsmouth, Rhode Island, and formerly of Newport; his niece, Lee Ellen Moran Sroczynski (Jeffrey); his nephews John “Jay” Moran (Eileen) of Tiverton, Rhode Island, and Michael P. Moran of Newport; his great-nephews; great-nieces; and several cousins.

A private service will take place at Saint Columba Cemetery in Middletown, Rhode Island.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his memory to Aquidneck Land Trust, 790 Aquidneck Ave, Middletown, RI 02842 or Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons, PO Box 2616, East Hampton, NY 11927.