John Patrick Munnelly, Sr. passed away peacefully with family by his side on Aug. 25, 2018 at 8:55 p.m. in Norfolk, Virginia.  John was born on Feb. 28, 1951 to John Thomas and Kathryn W. Munnelly. He was a proud man — proud of his family, friends, and his career as a police officer.

John retired from the Metropolitan Police Department after 21 years of dedicated service as a detective, primarily in the 7^thDistrict of Washington, DC. His stories and antics will be cherished and fondly remembered by all he shared them with —  especially his brothers and sisters in blue.

Surviving him is his devoted wife of 40 years Debra J. Munnelly; his daughter Katie (Nick) Fertal; his son John P Munnelly, Jr.; his grandchildren John-Michael, Hayden, and Ashlyn “Puggie;” his brother Festus (Mary Jo) Munnelly; three nephews, John, Tom (Courtney), and Robby, and one great-nephew, Graeme. He is also survived by numerous other family members and friends.

John was known by many names, “Daddy,” “Gampa,” “Paw,” “pops,” and “Mr. Wilson” just to name a few.  The family gives its special thanks to Dr. Joe Keenan, Dr. Joe Jenkins, Dr. Theodore Nicholas, the Outer Banks Hospital Oncology Department and Emergency Department, Sentara Norfolk General Hospital and special friend, Travis Grayson.

John was loved by many especially the Surf’s Up Seafood crew, John “Yum Yum” Parker, and Jason “Blue” Russell and by his customers, all of which he loved as family. John enjoyed life and always offered the best advice as well as a good story for everyone he knew.

John was also a dedicated Dallas Cowboys fan, seafood steamer, husband, son, father, brother, grandfather, uncle, and friend. He will be greatly missed but fondly remembered.

A celebration of John’s life will be held Saturday Nov. 3, 2018 at 1 p.m. at 1001 N. Virginia Dare Trail in Kill Devil Hills. Please join the family at that time to tell stories, eat, and celebrate a “true legend.” In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his memory to the National Law Enforcement Officer’s Memorial Fund.

Condolences may be expressed via the online register at www.gallopfuneralservices.com. Gallop Funeral Services, Inc. was entrusted with arrangements.