John D. McGonagle

John D. McGonagle was the longtime owner of Seacoast Harley-Davidson, a decorated Marine Corps pilot, Eastern Airlines pilot, successful businessman, bibliophile, and alumnus of both Hebron Academy and Colgate University.  A loyal friend and mentor to many, John had a lifelong love of motorcycles, World War II history, college hockey, and spending his free time traveling the roadways of the U.S. on one of his favorite Harleys or enjoying the peaceful solitude of his longtime home on Lake Winnipesaukee to read, boat, and swim.

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For those lucky enough to have known him, he was a man of incredible compassion and humor behind his gruff personna, In contrast to his relatively private nature, his curiosity for people was never ending.   He talked to everyone everywhere he went and would mine the life story out of strangers while rarely ever sharing anything about himself.   Through these conversations, John would come to help countless friends, strangers, schools, organizations, and employees throughout his life.  He had little interest in acknowledgement for the help he provided, and in fact, rather preferred the anonymity of blending into the background when it came to such things.  Prior to his passing, he established the groundwork for the John D. McGonagle Foundation, Inc. to which he pledged his entire estate, ensuring his legacy of giving would continue on.  

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