John E. Kerrigan

John E. Kerrigan (October 1, 1908 – May 2, 1987) was an American politician, the acting mayor of Boston in 1945 after then-Mayor Maurice J. Tobin became governor of Massachusetts.

Biography Kerrigan was born on October 1, 1908, and was a graduate of South Boston High School. He also served one term in the Massachusetts Senate, 1939–1941.

Mayoralty As president of the Council in 1945, Kerrigan became acting Mayor of Boston upon the inauguration of Maurice J. Tobin, who had been mayor since 1938, as governor. His mayoralty was defined by shortages and debt due to the postwar climate. He passed a bill that saved Boston taxpayers approximately $12 million over the next 20 years by refinancing the bonded debt from the Sumner Tunnel. He also was able to increase the city's income by leasing the Houghton & Dutton department store on Tremont Street to the federal government. He promoted many long-term construction programs to spur growth within the city. Kerrigan served as acting mayor in January 1946, until Curley was inaugurated.

Retirement and death Kerrigan retired from the City Council in 1973, having served a total of 15 terms, non-consecutively. He died on May 2, 1987, of cardiac arrest at Boston City Hospital. He had never married.