1989 – 1993
1996 – 1998
John served from 1989-1993 and again from 1996-1998, guiding the New Bedford Port Society and our historic chapel with quiet strength, unwavering integrity, and a deep sense of purpose.
Though not a fisherman himself, John became one of the most trusted figures in the New Bedford fishing industry. After arriving in the city in 1951, the Lewiston, Maine native built a lifetime of service: general manager of the Seafood Producer Association, fisheries advisor in Korea, the first director of the Harbor Development Commission, and longtime liaison for the National Marine Fisheries Service.
He was a man of principle- so much so that he wouldn’t even accept a bag of scallops or a sandwich if it meant compromising trust. Roy Enoksen, founder of Eastern Fisheries, called him “a great guy, always the same… thoughtful, just very professional.” He added, “John encouraged me… he was kind of a mentor, and we kept in contact forever.”
Attorney and board member Philip Beauregard said, “He was a chock full of integrity… the classic deep- throated Maine Yankee… and he brought a dignity, I thought, to the waterfront.” Fellow New Bedford Port Society President Phillip Mello remembered, “He had a great sense of humor… he would always come out with a smart remark and everyone would laugh.”
Fishing industry advocate Jim Kendall called him a “gentleman, first class”- a sentiment echoed by all who worked with him. After Kendall’s boat rescued five fishermen, John even sent him a hand-drawn cartoon of the scene-Kendall in a Superman cape atop the wheelhouse.
John F. Linehan brought both gravity and joy to his service. He is missed not only as a leader, but as a storyteller, a steward, and a trusted friend of the waterfront.