Obituaries/Services

Visitation:

Thursday, September 3, 2026

2:00pm ~ 5:00pm & 7:00pm ~ 9:00pm

Mass of Christian Burial:

Friday September 4, 2026

St. Finbar Church

10:00am

Interment:

Calverton Cemetery

Deacon John Hull, 83, Lifelong Brooklyn Resident

Deacon John Earl Hull, born July 26, 1943, a lifelong resident of Brooklyn, New York, passed away peacefully on August 29, 2026, at the age of 83, following a courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease.

Born and raised in Brooklyn, John grew up in the Bergen Beach neighborhood. Despite suffering from severe asthma throughout his childhood, which at times became life-threatening, he went on to attend Brooklyn Preparatory School, where he was an honors student and a track star. His determination in overcoming those early challenges reflected the resilience and perseverance that would characterize him throughout his life.

John proudly served his country as a member of the United States Air Force from 1962 to 1966 and was stationed in California during his service. While in the Air Force, he developed an early knowledge of computers, an emerging technology at the time, and later brought that knowledge and experience to his professional career.

After completing his military service, John returned home to Brooklyn, where he lived with his mother, Alice, until her passing in 2000. A devoted son, John was a loving and constant companion to his mother throughout their many years together. Their close bond reflected the deep importance that family held throughout John’s life.

John spent much of his professional career with the Home Insurance Company in Lower Manhattan, which later became REM. During the 1970s, he also volunteered as a youth roller hockey coach with the Bay Ridge Hockey League, generously giving his time to young people in his community.

John’s commitment to his fellow veterans continued long after his military service. He was extremely active in the American Legion through his involvement with Post 157 in Bay Ridge, which led to his appointment as the Legion's Kings County Commander. Throughout his involvement, he remained dedicated to supporting his fellow veterans and the community.

A devout Catholic throughout his life, John’s faith was a constant and guiding presence. Following his retirement from REM, he embarked upon a new and deeply meaningful chapter, pursuing a calling to serve the Catholic Church as a deacon. Encouraged by his dear friend, the late Eileen Molloy, he entered formation for the diaconate, undertaking several years of study, spiritual preparation, and training before being ordained a Deacon for the Diocese of Brooklyn in 2007.

Deacon John began his diaconal ministry at St. Patrick’s in Bay Ridge and later served in residence at St. Finbar Rectory in Bath Beach. During his years at St. Finbar, he became a beloved presence among parishioners and rectory staff, many of whom held him in great affection. He also taught CCD classes, sharing his faith with children and helping to guide them in their Catholic formation.

Even after moving into assisted living during the final year and a half of his life, Deacon John remained committed to his vocation and continued his diaconal ministry, offering his faith, presence, and service to those around him. His dedication to the diaconate remained an important part of his life until the end.

John embraced life with enthusiasm and had many interests that brought him joy. He loved music and performing and was involved with the Narrows Community Theater, where he enjoyed singing. He loved to dance, enjoyed good food, and treasured the simple pleasure of sharing a good meal and good company with others.

An avid student of history, John was a Civil War buff and took great pride in his Irish and colonial American ancestry. He had a deep interest in his family’s history and devoted considerable time over the years to researching and documenting his family’s roots. The knowledge and records he gathered leave a lasting legacy that will be treasured and passed down through generations of his family.

John was predeceased by his parents, Earl and Alice (Finn) Hull, and his brother, Dennis Hull. He is survived by his sister, Mary Abel of Brooklyn.

Beloved as a son, brother, uncle, friend, and Deacon, John will be remembered not only for his deep faith and lifelong commitment to service, but also for his playful spirit, jovial laugh, and genuine enjoyment of the company of others. Whether serving his Church, supporting his fellow veterans, sharing a good meal, or spending time with family and friends, John valued fellowship and gave generously of himself to those around him. His presence touched many lives, and his unmistakable laugh, warmth, and generous spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in John’s memory to support Parkinson’s disease research.