John "Philip" Moloney

John Philip Moloney, ( called Philip ) of New York City and Southampton, NY died at home in Southampton on November 18, 2025 at the age of 89. Born in Newport, RI, August 25,1936 he was the son of the late John Philip Moloney and the late Elizabeth "Betty " Devlin Moloney.

Philip graduated as valedictorian of the class of 1954 De La Salle Academy, Newport, RI and from Yale University, Class of 1958 and in 1959 from The Naval Officers Candidate School, Newport. After his initial Navy assignment aboard USS "Calcaterra", Philip was reassigned to The Navy Department in Washington, D.C. , where he completed his three years of service in the Navy.

Phillips early years as a resident of New York City were spent in the world of finance on Wall Street. When the opportunity presented itself, Philip 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, Philip 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/carpenters and generally checking the progress of each restoration project.

As a teenager, Philip 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, Philip 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 Europe and along the East Coast. He was an enormous fan of all things New York City.

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

Philip is survived by his spouse, Robert W, Taft of New York City and Southampton, his sister Elizabeth" Lee" Moloney Portsmouth, RI (formerly of Newport, RI ), his niece, Lee Ellen Moran Sroczynski (Jeffrey), his nephews John " Jay" Moran (Eileen) of Tiverton, RI and Michael P. Moran of Newport, RI, great nephews, nieces, and several cousins.

Besides his parents, Philip was predeceased by his sister Elinore Moloney Moran and brother-in-law, John H. Moran.

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

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Phillip's 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.